September 13, 2016, Tuesday

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ASSENG/2015/64205

Vol. II

Issue 61

Dibrugarh, Tuesday, September 13, 2016

SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS SHARES SLIDE AS NOTE 7 RECALL TAKES TOLL

KEY HIGHLIGHT

Arunachal Pradesh Governor Jyoti Prasad Rajkhowa has been sacked weeks after the Supreme Court restored the Congress government in the state, accusing him of violating the constitution.

The centre had earlier asked Mr. Rajkhowa to resign "on health grounds" but he had defiantly refused to step down, saying that he wanted the President to dismiss him.

Meghalaya Governor V Shanmuganathan has been given additional charge of the state, it added.

Mr Rajkhowa was accused by the Congress of tacitly supporting its rebels and also helping the BJP by calling an assembly session a month ahead of schedule.

The sacking was imminent after Home Minister Rajnath Singh conveyed during a meeting with President Pranab Mukherjee last Wednesday that Mr Rajkhowa's position had become untenable and he had lost the centre's confidence.

The government waited to act against the governor until after a two-day special session

On July 13, the Supreme Court reinstated the Congress government in Arunachal Pradesh by cancelling all decisions of Mr Rajkhowa that had precipitated its fall in January.

of the Arunachal Pradesh assembly called on Thursday to ratify a constitutional amendment bill enabling the Goods and Services Tax or GST.

not resign. Let the President express his displeasure."

The centre had earlier asked Mr Rajkhowa to resign "on health grounds" but he had defiantly refused to step down.

On July 13, the Supreme Court reinstated the Congress government in Arunachal Pradesh by cancelling all decisions of Mr Rajkhowa that had precipitated its fall in January.

"The Governor must remain

The 72-year-old had told a local TV channel: "I want the President to dismiss me. I will

The former bureaucrat was appointed as governor last year.

aloof from any disagreement, discord, disharmony, discontent or dissension, within individual political parties," a five-judge constitution bench had said.

This was seen as a searing indictment of Mr Rajkhowa, who was accused by the Congress of tacitly supporting its rebels and also helping the BJP by calling an assembly session a month ahead of schedule. The Nabam Tuki government was "dismissed" in that session held in a makeshift venue.

In February, Congress rebels led by Kalikho Pul took power with support from the BJP. Some sources close to Mr Rajkhowa say he has been consulting legal experts and has plans to challenge his sacking.

BJP insiders say that Mr Rajkhowa as governor had information on the centre's dealings before the Nabam Tuki government was declared to have lost the trust vote and Kalikho Pul was installed as chief minister.

CM Pema Khandu assures JWCAPRTU to take up the matter of APB&OCWWB for allegedly non-implementing various welfare schemes Nellie Manpoong Itanagar, Sept 12

Coming down heavily upon the Arunachal Pradesh Building & Other Constructions Workers Welfare Board (APB&OCWWB) for alleged non implementation of various welfare schemes, the Joint Working Committee of Arunachal Pradesh Registered Trade Unions (JWCAPRTU), called upon Chief Minister Pema Khandu this morning at the latter’s office.

Led by JWCAPRTU chairman Changma Tajo and secretary general Kenkar Yomcha, the team sought recalling the recent advertisement published in some section of local newspaper by APB&OCWWB, inviting Tender/ Notice for procurement of Led TVs, rain coats etc and walk-in-interview for recruitment of Registering Officers, UDCs, LDCs, drivers and peons, the JWCAPRTU termed it illegal and against the Acts and Rules of Building & Other Constructions (RE&CS) Act 1996.

The JWCAPRTU, which is a body of various other worker unions of the state, alleged that decisions taken up in 16th

JWCAPRTU’s DEMANDS

Human rights watchdog Amnesty International on Monday blamed India for excessive use of force against protesters in Kashmir.

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Executive Director of Amnesty International India, Aakar Patel, in a statement issued here, said: "Security forces are using arbitrary and

INCREASED RICE PRODUCTION WITH LESS FERTILIZER

CM Sonowal asks Hojai administration to undertake survey work on war footing for all-round development of the district A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Sep 12

Amid a slew of measures that the government has vowed to undertake for an accelerated development of the newly curved out Hojai District, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal asked the district administration of Hojai to undertake a survey work on a war footing to draw a broad map for an all-round development of the district.

Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal who was on a one day visit to Hojai on Monday held a review meeting with the civil and police administration at the Conference Hall of the DC’s Office and conducted a threadbare discussion on the problems and prospects of Hojai district.

He asked the Deputy Commissioner Dr. S. Laxmanan to initiate a survey and chalk out a comprehensive road map for development in the district.

Sonowal said, “In line with the expectations of the people of Hojai, the state government will take a slew of measures to

hospital/ dispensary centre for labour communities in every district.

Grant of one time corpus fund for regularization of staffs.

Timely release of staff wages of casual/ contingency workers and release of adhoc bonus for the year 2009-2010. board meeting held on June 16 last, various schemes involving crores were approved in the annual budget of 2016-17.

Discontinuation of exofficio appointments.

Reservation of 75 percent seats in category of group C & D post in Appointment under favour of contingency/ compassionate casual workers. ground.

Reservation of 80 percent jobs in PSUs like NEEPCO, NHPC, etc, under Arunachal Pradesh.

They clarified that as per minutes of the said meeting, only three trade union leaders represented the board members and passed various

schemes involving crores of rupees, including budget 201617, Contd. on Page 4

excessive force in response to protests in Jammu and Kashmir."

He added, "India is violating international standards and worsening the human rights crisis in the state."

Aakar said: "Pellet-firing shotguns have injured and blinded even peaceful protesters and bystanders.

Children have been hit by pellets from these shotguns

while sitting inside their homes."

The statement quoted media reports of September 2, saying, "India's Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) approved the use of PAVA (Pelargonic Acid Vanillyl Amide) shells, a chilli-based munition, as an alternative to pellet-firing shotguns, to be used only in 'rare' cases."

over 100 reported cases of pellet injuries in the first week of September at hospitals in Srinagar," it stated.

The statement said that the UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms state that firearms should not be used"except in selfdefence or defence of others against the imminent threat of death or serious injury".

"However, there have been

Contd. on Page 4

WHAT CM DID DURING HOJAI VISIT? Asked Deputy Conducted a threadbare Commissioner to initiate a discussion on the problems and survey and chalk out a prospects of the district. comprehensive road map for development in the district.

Held a review meeting with the civil and police administration.

Asked Superintendent of Police Dibya Jyoti Mukherjee to take all pertinent steps for maintenance of sustained peace in the district. bring about an all-round development of the new district”.

Taking note of the shortage of man power and other bottlenecks, Sonowal said, “We are committed to usher in an era of prosperity in the district and bring Hojai at par with other developed districts of the State by all addressing all shortcomings”.

Sonowal took stock of the

status of Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana, Deendayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana, supply of pure drinking water, rural transportation in Hojai district and vowed to take steps for an accelerated development in the district.

He also sought information regarding the prevailing law and order situation of the district and asked Superintendent of Police

Sought information regarding the prevailing law and order situation of the district.

Took stock of the status of Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana, Deendayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana, supply of pure drinking water and rural transportation in the district.

Dibya Jyoti Mukherjee to take all pertinent steps for maintenance of sustained peace in the district which is a precondition of growth and development.

Union Minister of State for Railways Rajen Gohain, MLA Hojai Shiladitya Dev, MLA Nawgong Rupak Sarmah, MLA Lumding Sibu Misra, all heads of the departments of the district and host of other senior officers were present at the meeting.

Mamata Banerjee to distribute 800 cheques to Singur farmers on September 14 IANS Kolkata, Sept 12

"We will complete the land survey for about 620 acres in the project area by Tuesday.

We are ready with 800 cheques to be handed over to farmers

Establishment of separate school Establishment of Appointment of fullfor children of labours in every labour co-operative fledged chairman of the centre for labour board and full-fledged district of Arunachal Pradesh. communities in member secretary of the Establishment of separate every district. board.

PAGE 10

Page - 11

Following the apex court's verdict on land acquisition in the Tata Nano - Singur case, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday said that the state would compensate 800 farmers and also distribute 9,117 land records on Wednesday.

Amnesty International blames India for excessive use of force in Kashmir IANS Srinagar, Sept 12

Pages- 12

Page - 10

Arunachal Pradesh Governor Jyoti Prasad Rajkhowa Sacked, Meghalaya Governor given additional charge

Mr Rajkhowa will "cease to hold the office," a statement from the President's House said on Monday evening.

5.00

ONE MORE TERRORIST KILLED, OPERATION ON IN POONCH: DEFENCE SPOKESMAN

Page - 5

Agencies Itanagar, Sept 12

Price -

on Wednesday. About 9,117 land records will also be distributed to them," Banerjee told reporters after holding a high level meeting at the state secretariat Nabanna.

Banerjee would visit Singur on Wednesday and also hold a public meeting.

Following the verdict, the state government had been carrying out the land survey within the project area expeditiously.

It had been taking the help of drone and GPS satellite mapping for aerial survey and

Indian government got underworld don Dawood Ibrahim's hawala money seized in foreign countries: Report Agencies Delhi, Sept 12

Contrary to reports that Dawood Ibrahim's funds, routed through various countries, was being swindled by someone from their own gang, it has now emerged that Government of India was working behind the curtain to cripple the underworld don.

As per a report in India Today, government has been tracking the business of Dcompany in several countries.

The media house quoted intelligence agencies as saying that Dawood was not cheated of Rs 40 crore but the government got several of his transactions in UAE, Canada, UK and Australia seized over the past two years.

suspected to be hawala money and was said to be routed through India-Dubai-CanadaDubai-India.

expects to complete it within ten weeks.

Asked about the demolition of the factory shades and administrative offices of Tata Motors at the abandoned project site, Banerjee said: "We are following the verdict of the Supreme Court. We expect they will shift their materials.

We will request them. If they don't or request us to shift the materials, the state government will set aside the same."

Banerjee said the state agriculture department would provide a package to farmers

to make land cultivable.

After the Supreme Court quashed the land acquisition done by the erstwhile Left Front government, Banerjee had chaired a high level emergency meeting at Nabanna to decide on followup action for implementing the judicial order.

She had also said physical possession of cultivable land would be given to the landowners within the stipulated time frame of 12 weeks.

ATASU to lock down carbon factory of Digboi if strong steps are not taken

The bank, when asked about the credentials of the end person, did not provide any and thus the transaction money was shifted to some sundry accounts in parts.

Dawood gang thought that someone from within was routing such transactions.

However, as per the report, it later realised that the banks acted in such a manner on pursuance of the Indian agencies.

The D-company has now supposedly narrowed down its hawala business to an exclusive group of confidants and through secure banks availing different routes.

India has managed to make governments of many countries agree to keep a track on Dawood's business activities and transactions, as per the agencies.

Meanwhile, intelligence agencies are now tracking front-men of Dawood in India and other countries to gather information about new modes of transaction.

Indian agencies are said to have been successful in getting five to six hawala transactions and one of it was frozen by a bank in UAE.This was

Dawood is wanted in India for the 1993 serial bomb blasts in Mumbai in which more than 250 people were killed and nearly a thousand injured.

Shidharth Singh Tinsukia, Sep 12

All Tai Ahom Student Union submitted a RTI on Digboi Carbon Factory with ultimate of 10 days to put control on pollution by setting pollution devices on their machinery or wind up their factory. But after passing 10 days of their RTI no action has yet been taken on this matter.

“If no hard steps taken in this regards than All Tai Ahom Stu-

dent Union will protest infront of DC office. Even after the protest if no steps are taken, All Tai Ahom Student Union will itself take the necessary steps and will lock down Digboi Carbon Factory,” said Milan Bora Gohain.

Milan Bora Gohain also added that, “since few years, the pollution matter has been raising, but no steps were taken. Our honourable MLA Mr. Sanjay Kishan has assure us that he will take this matter to DC Office”.

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PAGE 12

CITY

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13

PAGE 2

Dibrugarh, Tinsukia

Book on migration Assamese boy brings of illegal laurel to the state Staff Reporter Bangladeshis re- ADibrugarh, Sept Palash leased in Dibrugarh 12: Bhuyan, a

Body of a new born baby girl recovered beside the Red Cross Road in Dibrugarh on Monday.

Pic - Manoj Pandey

A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Sept 12: A book titled Niraxar Pora Axa Loi, authored by senior advocate of Guwahati High Court, Upamanyu Hazarika, was inaugurated by the former president of Axom Xahitya Sabha and noted writer, Dr. Nagen Saikia, at a meeting held at Utsav Auditorium on Saturday.

President Medal Award Winning Teacher, Gandheswar Saikia, former Dean of Arunachal University, Dr. Shristidhar Dutta, senior journalist and former president of AAJU, I. Ahmed, President of Dibrugarh Press Club, Prabir Chakraborty and General Secretary of AASU, Lurinjyoti Gogoi, were some attendees during the programme.

Earlier, while welcoming

the guests and others, senior advocate and writer of the book, Upamanyu Hazarika, expressed his gratitude to all and hoped that his book, which aims to simplify and deconstruct the whole range of issues and problems that have been arising out of the illegal infiltration from Bangladesh into Assam, would throw some light into the unending migrant crisis in the State.

Dr. Nagen Saikia, in his inaugural address welcomed the noble initiative of senior counsel, Upamanyu Hazarika in bringing out a book on the migration of illegal Bangladeshis into the State and how the stakeholders through the legal process might find a solution for ascertaining the indigenous rights of the State people.

HOROSCOPE

Road blocked by Namrup AASU

Aries

A close friend or loved one might drop out of sight today. You may panic when he or she doesn't return your phone calls. Don't jump to conclusions. They're preoccupied with matters that for the moment appear important and will contact you in time. When you do finally connect, you could hear some interesting news. Relax, go about your business, and look forward to the call.

Taurus

A household member might toy with the idea of moving out or going away for a while, Taurus.

This could stress you out, but don't make yourself crazy. Don't try to talk him or her out of it.

Listen sympathetically and let your relative get it out of their system. This person is probably feeling temporarily restricted by forces outside the home and isn't really likely to go anywhere.

Bikul Bikash Gogoi Naharkatia,Sept 12: The Dhudor Ali road which is 212-km-long road starting from Kamargaon in Golaghat to Joypur in Dibrugarh touching Mariani & Jorhat runs through four districts of Upper Assam holding significance for several neighbouring states.

This road holds a historic significance as Ahom king Gadadhar Singha got the road constructed somewhere around 1687.

Gemini

Cancer

Leo

Virgo

Stress could have you feeling uncommunicative today. You probably aren't going to want to talk to anyone, even your dearest friend, Gemini. This might prove difficult, as people around you are going to ask for advice and help. Keep your cool. This feeling will pass and you won't want anyone to think you're upset. Go to lunch alone, and tonight crash on the bed with a good book.

Finances should be going well, Cancer, but your financial affairs aren't something you want to talk about to anyone now. Perhaps you want to make a decision that's yours and not influenced by others. Nonetheless, a close friend or lover is going to find out. Maybe they'll guess or maybe you'll let it slip. Don't panic. This person understands you and won't try to exert undue influence.

You're likely to be in a solitary mood today, Leo, and probably want to spend the evening reading or working on a project of your own. However, it isn't likely to work out that way. Visitors could drop by or some equipment could go on the blink and require repairs. Some unexpected calls could come your way. Take a deep breath and summon your good manners. You can be alone tomorrow.

Today you might have a strange feeling that something is wrong, perhaps in the neighborhood or with a friend or relative. This is probably going to bother you all day, Virgo, so it might be a good idea to call this person or otherwise look into the matter. There's probably nothing really wrong, but someone close to you may have just experienced a shock of some kind.

Libra

An organization with which you're affiliated may be having financial problems, and this fact could come out today. It might be a shock to you and everyone else involved, Libra, but it's good that it's coming out now. This revelation might have a profound effect on your goals, and may necessitate some reevaluation. Some intense discussion with those around you is definitely indicated.

Scorpio

Some unexpected changes that have been kept under wraps at the workplace could come out soon.

They may involve reorganization or a change of ownership. This is going profoundly affect your attitude toward your job. It could cause you to consider making a change of your own. This isn't the time to make a decision. Take a few days to consider your options before making up your mind.

Sagittarius

Capricorn

Aquarius

Something you might have wanted to keep between you and a few trusted friends could inadvertently be revealed, perhaps to the wrong people. Frustration and a sense of betrayal could plague you, but don't turn against those who knew. Even though this can be disconcerting, you can learn from it.

Benjamin Franklin said, "Two people can keep a secret only when one of them is dead."

Demands placed on you by work colleagues could have you stressed, Aquarius. You might feel that your co-workers are taking unfair advantage of you.

This could start you thinking of perhaps going into business for yourself or with a partner. This could well be a great idea, but today isn't the day to make a decision this monumental. Wait a few days and give it some serious thought.

Stress and job frustration might have you thinking about breaking free, walking out the door, and getting on the first plane somewhere else. Another thought is likely to concern going back to school and training for a career in another field. You might need a vacation, and returning to school could be a great idea, but don't decide today. Wait a few days.

Dibrugarh. He done his schooling from Salt brook school, Dibrugarh and went to Maharashtra and studied at Panchgani New era High School.

After that he went to Scotland for further study and completed his degree in science from Highland Island University.

eral memorandums to the local MLA no fruitful results have came so far due to which Namrup AASU has blocked the road for two hours at Hapjan, Milanpur

and near Namrup rail station protesting against the indifferent attitude towards repairing of the road by the government and the concerned departments. They

also said that if even after this the government do not take any proper steps then the organisation are going to organise more protest in large scale.

Later, the forest department took the python under their custody.

Cinema

For further study he went to France and done a course on International air transport operational Management from ENAC, Aeronautical University. At ENAC University he done a research work on ‘Water Rocket’ and the rocket fly about 185 sq. km where he stood first in the university.

ASOM distributes food items to pandits of Tinsukia

our public that he will control the price hiking of food items but even after 100 days of his government no steps has been taken on this major issue”, said Central President of president of Asom Sangrami Oikya Mancha, Mr. Lalan Sahani.

Inspired by Nigerian inmate, football fever takes over Assam prison

AASU protest over dilapidated road conditions.

ET Correspondent Tinsukia, Sep 12: A sensational news as prevailed after an 8 feet long python was recovered today at Phillobari.

A Correspondent Golaghat, Sept 12 : Murder convict Bhanu Soren looks forward to every afternoon with anticipation.

That is the time of the day when Soren, who is lodged in Assam’s Golaghat district jail, gets to indulge in his latest passion -- football.

For the past six months, Soren and dozens of others among the jail’s 512 inmates have been learning to play football . They play bare feet.

“Playing football makes me very happy. I will continue to play and teach others when I leave the jail ,” said the 31-year-old from Barpathar.

The change in Soren and others like him can be attributed to Henry Oja Kelechi, a Nigerian lodged in the same jail following his arrest in March for travelling with an expired visa.

The football enthusiast

from Lagos, Nigeria’s largest city, claims he was busy travelling to different places in Assam for football coaching in schools and small clubs and forgot to extend his visa.

“I was very upset about landing in jail. But everything changed after jail superintendent Dilip Saikia gave me a football,” the 27year-old said.

Henry began playing in the small field within the jail and soon was joined by many male inmates, most of them convicted for murder and drug dealing, eager to learn the most popular sport in the world.

But there was a problem.

The jail only had a small area for the inmates to play volleyball. So the jail authorities and Henry and his gang of wannabe footballers decided to improvise.

National Chamber of Commerce organises Felicitationb Programme

Galleria Cinema Dibrugarh Junction Mall Screen-1 FREAKY ALI 1ST show at 10:15 AM 2ND show at 12:30 PM

BAAR BAAR DEKHO 3RD show at 02:45 PM

DOORDARSHAN - ETI JANTRA 4TH show at 05:25 PM

FREAKY ALI 5TH show at 08:15 PM

Screen-2 BAAR BAAR DEKHO ST

Pisces

Palash Bhuyan

“Sonowal Sarkar promised

Python recovered in Tinsukia

Some disconcerting revelations about your past or the past of someone close to you could come out today. This might be a bit of a shock, Sagittarius, but it's a positive development nonetheless. It will shed some light on how to deal with current issues in your life or a relationship. Write down your thoughts, meditate, talk to a friend, or otherwise try to make sense of it.

Palash is son of Bipul Bhuyan and Alpana Gogoi Bhuyan of Kumarnisiga,

Sidharth Singh Tinsukia, Sep 12: Due to price hike on food items, Asom Sangrami Oikya Mancha, Tinsukia has distributed food commodities to pandits of Shani Mandir at Thana Charali.

The road is so called because the king mobilized some lazy people to build it.

On the other hand the feeder road which is considered to be one of the vital roads connecting Namrup from other towns has been deprived by the government as these two roads which have a historical background are now in a dilapidated condition and the people travelling by these roads have a harrowing time everyday to go from one place to another.

Even after repeated requests by the Namrup, AASU to the concerned departments and also after providing sev-

Dibrugarh boy brought laurels for Assam by becoming the first Assamese to work in France Airbus Company.

1 show at 10:00 AM 2ND show at 12:40 PM 4TH show at 05:45 PM 5TH show at08:30 PM

AKIRA 3

RD

show at 03:20 PM

Felicitation program organised by Nationnal Chamber of Commerce

Tele booking timings: 9:00AM to 8:00 PM Tele booking No.: 8876565001/ 8876565002 (Terms & conditions apply)

Ticket Rates Rs. 100/ Rs. 150/Rs. 200/Rs.250/ Rs.300 MORNING SHOWS: Rs.80/Rs.130/Rs. 150/Rs.200/Rs.250

9TH SEPTEMBER to 15th SEPTEMBER, 2016

ET Correspondent Tinsukia, Sept 12:The National Chamber of Commerce, Tinsukia felicitated the newly elected MLA of Tinsukia Sri Sanjoy Kishan newly posted D.C of Tsk district

Sri Ranjan Chakroborty along with the commandant of COBRA force Sri Vijay Saini. Problems of the people were discussed and a positive response was given by them.

AROUND THE

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13

STATE

PAGE 3

Assam CM Sarbananda Sonowal lays foundation stone of doubling of Railway Line

CM Sonowal extends heartiest greetings to the people of Assam on pious occasion of Eid-Uz-Zuha

PTI Hojai, Sept 12: Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Monday laid the foundation stone for doubling the railway line between Hojai and Lumding.

Speaking on the occasion, Sonowal lauded the efforts and dedication of the Railway Ministry under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for developing railway infrastructure in the region.

People of Assam have been

Sarbananda Sonowal expecting doubling of railway line for the last 70 years, however, within two years in office, the BJP led government has taken up

the plan and implemented it ushering in an era of fast development in the state, he said.

BSF apprehends 1 Indian cattle smuggler, 324 cattle heads seized A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Sep 12: Troops of Guwahati Frontier of Border Security Force apprehended one Indian cattle smuggler yesterday from the International Boundary in Cooch Behar District of West Bengal.

The cattle smuggler who was identified as Noor Mohamad, (26), S/o BhachaMiya, R/o VPO –

Gitaldah, PS- Dinhata, dist.

- Cooch Behar, West Bengal was apprehended by the troops of BOP Kharijaharidas, while he was trying to smuggle cattle heads from India to Bangladesh. He has been handed over to local police for further legal action. One cattle heads was also seized from the place of his apprehension.

Besides, BSF troops of

Guwahati frontier seized 324 cattle heads having an approximate value of Rs. 14,64,720/- on the intervening night of 11/12 Sept 2016.

BSF troops are always alert to the issues of transborder crimes and illegal infiltration and are making all out efforts to prevent commission such crimes.

Margherita Journalist's Association submits memorandum to SDO (C)

“Assam has no dearth of resources, however, with the development of Railway infrastructure, the resources of the state can be tapped and Assam can scale a new height,” Sonowal said and thanked Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu and Minister of State for Railways Rajen Gohain for their initiatives.

the region and hoped that Railways will act as the growth engine for the area.

Stating that Assam has been lacking in development and many of the state’s demands remained unfulfilled, he thanked the Prime Minister and Railway Minister for paying special attention to

The Chief Minister also laid emphasis on maintenance of cleanliness in railway stations and all residential areas and called upon the citizens to actively participate in Swachh Bharat Mission.

Calling upon the people of the state to extend all cooperation to the Railways for realisation of Railway projects, Sonowal assured that the state government will extend all help.

Margherita College to host 2 days UGC and ICSSR sponsored national seminar Mithun Baruah Margherita, Sep 12: Margherita College, Department of Economics in collaboration with the North Eastern Economic Association is going to organised two days UGC and ICSSR sponsored national seminar on "Dynamics of Saving Behaviour in India and Development (With Special reference to Household Savings)" at Margherita College on 5 and 6 October 2016.

Purkayastha and Jyoti Gogoi have invited research paper from interested teachers, Social thinkers, Policy makers, Research fellow etc.

Last date of submission of abstract and full paper are 15th September to 1st October 2016 respectively.

The abstract should not exceed 300 words may kindly be as an attachment in MS Word to e m a i l ecomrgh@gmail.com a n d Organising Secretary of ecomargherita16@gmail.com can contact the National Seminar or Dr. Gautam 09435337938.

People buying sweets and delicacies on the eve of Eid in Dibrugarh on Monday. Pic - Manoj Pandey

A Staff Reporter Guwahati Sep 12: Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal extended heartiest greetings to the people of Assam on the pious occasion of Eid-Uz-Zuha.

In a message here today, Sonowal said, “Eid-UzZuha teaches us the tenets

of sacrifice, compassion, love for fellow human beings and of course people belonging to different faiths which help us to win over hatred, greed and conflicts”.

He also said that Eid-UzZuha is an occasion which strengthens universal brotherhood.

Chief Minister Sonowal

also said, “I Wish this solemn occasion will further fortify the bonds of communal amity and brotherhood and usher in sustained peace, progress and prosperity in our State.

May Eid further strengthen our cultural bonds and bring peace and prosperity to all”.

DJM extends good wishes to all Muslim brothers of the state A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Sep 12: Deshi Janagosthia Mancha, Assam has extended good wishes and greetings to all the Muslim brothers on the occasion of Eid-Uz-Zoha to be celebrated on 13th September. A press release issued from the Central HQ of the organization also stated that the sacrifice of animals is a part of religious tradition in this Eid. However, the organization

has appealed to the people at large to refrain from showing any kind of exaggeration of this religious act and from creating any sort of controversy or from uploading any objectionable pictures or videos related to sacrifice of animals in any form of media that may disturb social peace and communal harmony.

This is necessary because the Indian society is a plu-

ralistic one and comprises of many religions with numerous diverse traditions.

The Mancha has also appealed to the Muslims to take utmost care and show necessary sensitivity towards the religious sentiments of the people of other faiths in the neighbourhood while celebrating the festival and especially at the time of performing the act of animal sacrifice.

Intelligence Bureau, CBI among 32 Government Organisations Yet To Digitise Work PTI Guwahati, Sept 12 Central police organisations like IB, CBI and NIA are among 32 government entities which are yet to implement e-office project.

Mithun Baruah Margherita, Sept 12: A group of Journalist from Margherita Journalist's Association today submitted a memorandum to the Margherita SDO (C) regarding the rampant illegal at Ledo, Baragolai, Tirap and Tikok colliery where on 7 September two journalists of Margherita were brutally assaulted and attacked by coal thieves at Tirap colliery.

Ram Prasad Ambedkar and Ranajyoti Neog president and general

secretary of Margherita Journalist's Association said that due to illegal coal trade at Ledo, Baragoali, Tirap and Tikak colliery, coal thieves have created terror at Margherita region where Margherita administration has become mute spectator.

“We demand that those coal thieves who have attacked and assaulted two journalist of Margherita should be arrested, illegal coal trade should be stopped at

Ledo, Baragolai, Tirap and Tikak colliery areas, suspected citizens who are living in coal areas should be verified and those who gave rent to suspected citizens at coal areas of Margherita region should be verified

by Margherita Administration”, said Ram Prasad Ambedkar and Rana Jyoti Neog.

While Margherita SDO (Civil) have assured that immediate action will be taken and shall discuss with the Tinsukia District Deputy Commissioner.

Besides them, eight paramilitary forces including Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and National Security Guard (NSG) are also among the organisations which have not yet implemented the project aimed at digitisation of their work.

A presentation on the status of implementation of e-office project was made by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) at a conference on e-governance on Thursday. The event was attended by Minister of State in Prime Minister's

Office Jitendra Singh, senior bureaucrats and 172 newly inducted IAS officers where details of status of egovernance or computerisation of offices under all ministries were given.

The e-office project is one of the Mission Mode Projects under the National e-Governance Plan. The project is being implemented by the Department of Administrative Reform and Public Grievances of India (DARPG) to improve efficiency in government processes and service delivery mechanisms.

Among the 32 government organisations which are yet to implement e-office are eight central police organisations- Intelligence Bureau (IB), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI),

National Investigation Agency (NIA), Bureau of Police Research & Development, National Crime Records Bureau, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy, Hyderabad, North Eastern Police Academy, Shillong, and National Institute of Criminology & Forensic Science.

Seven central armed police forces, CISF, NSG, Assam Rifles, Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) have also not implemented the e-office, as per the presentation.

Ministries of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Corporate Affairs, AYUSH and newly created Skill Development and Entrepreneurship have also not operationalised e-

office, it said. The departments of Defence, Defence Research & Development, Ex-Servicemen Welfare, Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), Department of Posts and Legislative Department have also not implemented the e-office, according to the presentation.

India Meteorological Department (IMD), Department of Space, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, Department of Agricultural Research and Education, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Biotechnology and Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities are also yet to implement it.

The presentation was based on the data received from National Informatics Centre (NIC), which provides in-

formation technology support to central government departments.

Cabinet Secretary Pradeep Kumar Sinha has directed a fortnightly progress report on the implementation of eoffice in all ministries and departments.

The ministries of Health & Family Welfare, Women and Child Development, Legal Affairs, Rural Development, Civil Aviation, Panchayati Raj, and Drinking Water and Sanitation are "having maximum usage of e-office".

The ministries of External Affairs, Tourism, Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and Department of Revenue are among 14 such government organisations who are "showing no significant progress in e-office", the presentation said.

Croplands in Assam hit by large-scale armyworms attack Agencies Guwahati, Sep 12: Swarm of armyworms devoured swathe of croplands in 10 districts of Assam, leaving the farmers, who have just started coming to terms with the recent flood devastation, high and dry. In last three days 17, 418 hectare cropland with paddy was destroyed by the army worms, a caterpillar locally known as shur puk.

Agriculture minister Atul Bora on Monday sounded alarm on the fast spread of the army worms. The minister said that the speed in which army worms attacking croplands across the state is "unprecedented" and has taken almost "epidemic" proportion.

"We had detailed discussion with the vice chancellor of the Assam Agricultural University for finding ways out of this menace. The university has provided us with a list of pesticides and various dos and donts. Meanwhile, we have instructed all our district-level agriculture officials to assist the farmers with all sorts of helps," Bora said.

The minister has also warned that any negligence on the part of agriculture officials would be dealt with firmly.

"This is the biggest attack of army worms that the state is facing with.

It is of an unprecedented and epidemic scale. Our

senior officials including agriculture department commissioner will make spot visit to the affected area to assess the measures taken at the field levels," Bora added.

Agriculture department officials said that last time the state suffered from army worms attack was in the late 1960s, but the scale of damage was much low then now.

As on Monday, Golaghat district in upper Assam is the worst-hit by army worms with 6, 671 hectare of paddy crop devoured, followed by Dibrugarh with 5,000 hectare cropland damaged. All these happened within three days.

Sivasagar is the third

worst affected district where 2,800 hectare cropland damaged. The other armyworms hit districts are Jorhat, Majuli, Lakhimpur, Kokrajhar, Barpeta, Nalbari and Dhubri.

The armyworms attack came at a time when the farmers of the state have started preparing their fields for winter paddy after the devastating flood last month damaged nearly three lakh hectare crop areas.

Bora said that his department has already submitted a memorandum to the centre highlighting that the state would need an estimated Rs 193.06 Crore to tide over the damage of agriculture lands due to flood.

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13

REST OF

PAGE 4

ARUNACHAL

Governor suggests state Transport, PWD DCM calls for preservation and protection department for surprise checking and of the age old traditions and culture during ‘Flying squad’ to arrest malpractices Mega Solung celebration at Pasighat

ET Bureau Itanagar, Sept 12: State Cabinet Minister (Transport etc.) Jomde Kena called on the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh JP Rajkhowa at Raj Bhavan, Itanagar on 12th September 2016. He briefed the Governor on the initiatives taken by the State Government to strengthen the transport system in the State.

The Governor exhorted that State Transport and State

Public Works Departments must work hand in hand to

provide better facilities to the people. He also advised

the minister, who holds the charge Legal metrology & Consumer Affairs for surprise checking and to set up ‘Flying squad’ to arrest malpractices. Such initiatives will be in the public interest and State will enhanced its revenue.

The Governor suggested for take up vigorous campaign on awareness of Rights and duties of the consumers. You have a very important duty towards the people and the State, he pointed.

DCM Chowna Mein meets 2 injured police personnel of Namsai incident ET Bureau Namsai, Sept 12: The Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, met the two injured police personnel, Sub Inspector Dumgandu Singpho and Head constable Inden Young Singpho at Aditya Hospital to enquire on their health today. The two police personnel were critically injured on the line of duty when they were in a routine raid to nab drug peddler at Silatoo Miri village under Lekang Circle on Sept 10 last.

Taking stock of the healthcare facilities being provided to the injured, DCM instructed the concerned for ensuring better treatment for their early recovery.

SI Singpho narrated the whole incident to the

He said that it is our legacy to carry forward the traditions and culture to the next generation and the onus of passing it further lies with the next generation too.

Deputy Chief Minister in presence of MLA Namsai Chow Zingnu Namchoom.

Head Constable was still admitted in ICU and doctors were providing round the clock services.

Interacting with the family members of the police personnel, DCM assured that the government will provide all support for the treatment of the injured.

The DCM also provided financial assistance from his own source as an immediate relief to family members for their better treatment and purchasing medicines.

AAPSU welcomes CM Khandu announcements regarding education Itanagar, Sept 12: In a press release by The All Arunachal Pradesh Students' Union (AAPSU) today, the union has announced that after several reviews of various government and private institutions, they have found that the educational scenario of the state is facing many problems which have to be sorted out soon. They have welcomed all the schemes

ET Bureau Pasighat, Sep 12: Deputy Chief Minister, Chowna Mein called for preservation and protection of the age old traditions and culture while addressing thousands of gathering in the cultural night of the Mega Solung Celebration at Giidii Notko, Pasighat today.

announced by the chief minister on the occasion of teacher's day celebration at Itanagar.

They also urged the state government to bring English subject under the ambit of 50:50 ratios as the subject being the official language in the country is primarily important for overall development of the students. The union through

press release also appealed in rationalizing of teachers in schools of the remote rural .The Union through this release also suggested the state government to involve all the stakeholders in carrying out various reforms with regards to the educational scenario in the state.

The union also urged the state government to sanction a one-time special package for infrastructural development in all the government colleges and schools to be taken up on priority basis as most of these institutions are lying in depleted condition as per the release. AASU also proposed a Sainik school in the state for greater interest of the students.

DCM said, “We must preserve and promote our folk songs and dances in parallel with the modernization.

Traditions and Culture must always be preserved for posterity since it is directly related to identity of an individual, a Tribe and a Society or even as a Nation.

We must zealously guard it, as we are few in the world who can still boast about it”.

He also said, “Our govt is a secular one and importance to every tribes and cultures would be equally given”.

And in the same line, the North East Festival was recently held at Mumbai to showcase and to make familiar the rich cultures of eight sisters with the mainland India, he said.

He lauded the Democratic set up of the Adi society terming it as one of the most democratic amongst the tribes especially in matters of local Justice delivery system and social structure.

He further said, “Being one of the largest tribes in our state, Adi brothers and sisters have a moral duty and responsibility not only in preserving the traditions and culture but also in fostering unity and to take the state forward in all fields”.

While ciing that the state is blessed with abundant natural resources including hydropower and minerals, he stressed to harness these potentials to the fullest.

He informed that govt has taken many reformative measures in the department of finance for smooth functioning of the line departments as well as for the public. He also said that various financial innovative policies for the future course of development are being initiated by the govt.

He also highlighted about the innovative measures taken by the govt in Information Technology Sectors and informed that the steps are taken by the govt to digitalize and transforming to e-governance for easy

and simplified governance.

He said that till date three departments viz., I T Department, the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms has been digitized and the govt is contemplating to digitize other departments in phase wise manner to make electronic paperless office.

He also informed about the efforts of the govt to rope in services of Corporate Sectors in social sectors development of the state. He said that the govt is putting sincere efforts to generate state’s own resources and to attract private investment.

He informed that govt is constituting Arunachal Pradesh Investment Advisory Council wherein best brains from industry shall be engaged to advice the state govt in leveraging investment in our state.

He appealed to the people to have welcoming attitude and create conducive atmosphere for the investors to come and make them felt secure and invest in our state.

Speaking on the occasion, Alo Libang, Deputy Speaker also called for preservation of traditional cultures and customs in its original form by maintaining original ethos and values.

Kaling Moyong, MLA Pasighat cum Chairman and Kaling Dai, ZPC cum Vice Chairman, Celebration Committee also spoke on the occasion.

Celebrities, Monali Thakur, Bollywood Playback Singer and Meiyang Chang, Singer & Stage Performer enthralled the audience with their sizzling performance.

Earlier, Deputy Chief Minister also visited ELAM Industry, the Arunachal’s first Mechanized Textile Unit located at Pasighat Industrial Estate, 2 mile from the town. He was impressed by the wide variety of tribal and other garments from silk, cotton, acrylic, and other yarn being manufactured in the centre. He assured support from the govt and suggested to enlarge the industry.

Among others Ninong Ering, MP(Lok Sabha), P D Sona, MLA cum Govt Spokesperson, MLAs Zingnu Namchoom, Paknga Bage, Olom Panyang, Kento Rina and former minister Bosiram Siram, Kaling Doruk, Chief Councillor, PMC, Isha Khosla, DC and Pranav Tayal, SP were also present on the occasion.

CM Pema Khandu assures Organisation submit AAPSU has also demanded JWCAPRTU to take up the matter of establishment of a CBSE memorandum to dc, regional office at Itanagar.

APB&OCWWB for allegedly nonATKSSU calls Bandh implementing various welfare schemes 5 days Free Badminton coaching ended

at Hawai saying ‘I m against opium’ Tezu, Sept 12: To encourage games & sports in the interior border district of Anjaw, a 15 (fifteen) days free Badminton Coaching was ended smoothly here at the Indoor Stadium in Hawai.

Overall 25 participants enthusiastically took part in the camp. The basic motive behind organizing this camp was to say ‘I m against Opium’ which was emphatically appreciated

by Mamta Riba DC Anjaw, She even welcomed more NGO's to join in the fight against this menace and promised to support more camp of this kind.

Rome Mele CO as guest

also gave away best player award and hoped to continue such camp to be organized in other school of the district.

The Akshay Raito settler (Badminton) of state level was the resource person

during the entire camp.

Meanwhile, the camp was organized by BEING MISHMI, a local NGO based at Hawai. Under the theme ‘GAME - BEST A LT E R N AT I V E THERAPHY OF DRUG

ADDICTION’, the NGO resolved to spearhead more drugs awareness campaign in various pocket of the district sensitizing against the opium menace, assures Eringso Romat Chairman BEING MISHMI.

Amnesty International blames India for excessive use of force in Kashmir Contd. from Page 1 It said the UN charter clarifies the use of firearms "only when less extreme means are insufficient". The UN Code of Conduct for law enforcement officials states that they may use force "only when strictly necessary and to the extent required for the performance of their duty".

"At least 78 people, including two security force personnel, have been killed in the state since July 9, following protests and violent clashes after the killing of a

member of the Hizbul Mujahideen armed group," the Amnesty India statement also said.

"Some demonstrators have thrown stones and attacked police stations, government buildings and politicians' homes."

"Security force personnel have fired live ammunition, tear gas and pellets from pump-action-shotguns."

"These weapons are inherently indiscriminate and always carry the risk of causing serious injury to people who are not engaging in violence... There is simply no proper way to use these

weapons, and they should be prohibited."

About the use of PAVA shells for crowd control, the statement said, "Chemical irritants have the potential to be used in an arbitrary or indiscriminate manner...

Before being deployed, these weapons should go through a rigorous safety testing and approval process."

It also stressed on training of security forces "to use them correctly to reduce risk of unnecessary injury, and they must be accompanied by clear instructions and warnings on their use, effects, risks and the necessary precautions to be taken".

Amnesty said: "Law enforcement officials in Jammu and Kashmir must only use force as a last resort after non-violent means have been ineffective, and ensure that any force used is both necessary and proportional."

It said, "Anyone suspected of using arbitrary or abusive force should be prosecuted."

Calling on the central and state governments to "abandon their heavy-handed tactics in Kashmir", Amnesty India's statement adds that nowhere else in India have either the pellet shotguns or PAVA shells been used by the security forces for crowd control.

Indrajit Tingwa Namsai 12 Sept: Three organisations namely the Singpho Development Society (SDS),Singpho Youth Organisation (SYO) and All Bordumsa Singpho Students Union (ABSSU) today submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner Namsai urging for immediate arrest of the culprits involved in the 10 September Silatoo Miri village incident where drug handlers alongwith villagers attacked a police team.

SI Dumgandu Singpho and HC I.Y.Singpho of IRBN were grievously injured. Even the Namsai SP C.K.Mein was not spared and manhandled by the mob. The memorandum also demanded for immediate medical assistance to the injured and appealed for continuing the crusade against drug peddlers and abusers. The organisations termed the continuous crusade against drug menace by the police as a praiseworthy and commendable step and the public of the area were totally with the police in the endeavour.

The organisations also termed the attack on the police personnels was with a malicious intention to hide the misdeeds of those perpetrators as well as murder the men in uniform. It also stated that in the event of the adminis-

tration dealing liniently with the culprits involved in the attack there will be serious public repercussion.

The All Tai Khamti Singpho Students' Union (ATKSSU) meanwhile has called for Namsai Bandh tomorrow from 6 am to 6 pm. The bandh has been called to protest and condemn the incident.

Chow Molaseng Namchoom, President ATKSSU informed that besides the main point of condemning the incident the bandh was also to protest the land enctoachment by Miri people in Namsai district and demand for a Narcotic Cell at Namsai.Several other organisations of the district are extending their support and showing solidarity.

Meanwhile the total arrests in the case has gone up to five with a few being detained for interrogation.

The three arrested today are Sri Nokwang Lowang, Sri David Sawin and Sri Satyandra Singh a who is a shopkeeper for instigating the attack on the SP Namsai. Yesterday a father and son duo Sri Konu Mili and Anand Mili the owne of the house where the incident sparked were arrested by Mahadevpur police.

Contd. from Page 1

and completely violating Rule 256 (3) of BO&CW (RE&C) Act, 1996.

According to Rule 256 (3), no business shall be transacted at any meeting of the board unless at least six members are present, of whom one shall be the chief inspector of inspection of building and other constructions, appointed under sub-section (2) of section 42 of the Act, one shall be a representative of Finance Department, one shall be representative of Law Department and one shall be the representative of Labour Department.

The JWCAPRTU demanded that the 16th board meeting decisions and all the business transactions taken up during the said meeting be declared null and void.

The team also submitted a series of points for the welfare of labour community of the state and registered workers of the board, like establishment of separate school for children of labours in every district of Arunachal Pradesh, establishment of separate hospital/ dispensary centre for labour communities in every district, establishment of labour co-operative centre for labour communities in every district, grant of one time corpus fund for regularization of staffs, pay enhancement, appointment of full-fledged chairman of the board, appointment of full-fledged member

secretary of the board, discontinuation of ex-officio appointments, timely release of staff wages of casual/ contingency workers and release of adhoc bonus for the year 2009-2010, appointment under compassionate ground, reservation of 75 percent seats in category of group C & D post in favour of contingency/ casual workers, regularization of ALCs, reservation of 80 percent jobs in PSUs like NEEPCO, NHPC, etc, under Arunachal Pradesh, among other demands.

Regarding appointment of the chairman of the board, the JWCAPRTU observed that most of the times, the chairman of the board is appointed amongst MLAs and ministers with dual charges, which they felt adversely hampers the smooth functioning of the board. They also opined that they (chairman) remain out of reach of poor labourers during times of need.

The union demanded that the chairman of the board be appointed from amongst retired IAS officers or amongst trade union leaders for proper welfare of the labour community of the state.

Chief Minister Pema Khandu assured to take up the matter with the concerned ministers and department immediately and assured to address the grievances at the earliest.

He also advised the union leaders to work as a team to uplift the labour class of the state.

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13

BUSINESS

PAGE 5

Sensex Sinks Nearly 550 Points In Biggest Cabinet notifies constitution Selloff Since Brexit: 10 Updates of GST Council Mumbai, Sept 12 : The BSE Sensex and the broader Nifty fell sharply on Monday, tracking a global selloff in risk assets. The Sensex sank 550 points or nearly 2 per cent to 28,251 at day's low, while the Nifty50 index declined nearly 170 points to 8,699. The rupee also fell sharply, down 25 paise to 66.93 per dollar.

Here are 10 things to know about the market selloff today: ¨ Monday's selloff is the biggest since June 24, when domestic equities fell sharply, following Britain's decision to quit the European Union after a referendum. ¨ The worldwide selloff in risk assets today was triggered by talk that the Federal Reserve might be serious about lifting US interest rates as early as next week. (Read)

¨ A rate hike in the US would make investing in emerging markets such as India less attractive for foreign investors. ¨ Year-to-date, foreign institutional investors have pumped in over $6 billion in domestic markets, helping the Sensex and Nifty rally near record highs.

Profit-taking by foreign investors could jeopardize the rally, traders added. ¨ The recent sharp rally and high valuations are likely to add to selling pressure. Both the Sensex and Nifty traded near record highs, following a breakout from narrow consolidation range late last month. ¨ "We feel the correction in September can be steeper than most expect...

The Nifty has rallied almost non-stop from 7,940 on June 25 to near 9,000 on September 8, returning over 13 per cent," said

The Sensex sank nearly 550 points or 2 per cent to 28,251 amid global selloff.

HIGHLIGHTS Correction in September can be steeper, say some analysts A rate hike in the US would make emerging markets less attractive Year-to-date, foreign investors have pumped in over $6 billion

Sanjeev Bhasin of IIFL. ¨ Analysts say that 8,600 is a strong support for Nifty and if this level is breached, the selling pressure could accelerate. 8,600 is a major test and support level for Nifty, says market analyst Anil Manghnani. Investors would also be keenly watching the consumer inflation and factory output data to be released later in

the day. ¨ Banking stocks, which had run up sharply over the last few days, came under selling pressure today. Yes Bank and Bank of Baroda fell over 5 per cent.

Some buying was seen in IT stocks, which had underperformed in the recent rally. 45 of 51 Nifty50 components traded lower. ¨ Asian markets also traded with deep cuts to-

day. MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan fell 1.9 per cent, pulling away from a 13month peak. On Friday, the Dow shed 2.13 per cent on Friday, while the S&P 500 lost 2.45 per cent and the Nasdaq 2.54 per cent. ¨ At 12:50 p.m., the Sensex had pared some losses and was down nearly 400 points while Nifty traded near 8,750.

Rupee down 18 Employee Provident Fund May Get paise vs dollar in 8.6% Interest in 2016-17: Report late morning HIGHLIGHTS

Mumbai, Sept 12: The rupee pared some initial losses, but was still down 18 paise at 66.86 against the American currency in late morning trade on bouts of dollar demand from banks and importers amid weak domestic market.

The rupee opened lower by 20 paise at 66.88 per dollar from Friday's close of 66.68 per dollar at the Inter-bank Foreign Exchange (Forex) market.

The domestic unit hovered in range of 66.95 and 66.85 per dollar during the morning deals before quoting at 66.86 per dollar at 1025 hrs.

At one point, the rupee was trading at 66.93, down 25 paise against the dollar in early trade.

Meanwhile, the dollar index was trading down 0.02 per cent at 95.27 against a basket of six currencies in early trade.

Overseas, the dollar began the week on the back foot as a bout of risk aversion underpinned the yen, though losses were limited as the US currency garnered some support on renewed talk of a possible rate hike by the Federal Reserve as early as this month.

The safe-haven yen benefited from a broad drop in equities with Nikkei slipping to a two-week low.

Meanwhile, the benchmark BSE Sensex was trading down by 388 points or 1.35 per cent to 28,409.25 at 1025 hrs.

New Delhi, Sept 12: Over four crore subscribers of the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation may get a lower interest at a rate of 8.6 per cent on their deposits for the current financial year as the Labour Ministry is expected to toe the Finance Ministry line to cut the rate.

Retirement fund body EPFO had provided a rate of interest of 8.8 per cent on EPF deposits for 2015-16, despite the Finance Ministry's ratification for 8.7 per cent.

"Finance Ministry has been nudging Labour Ministry to keep interest rate on EPF in line with other small savings schemes administered by it. There is a broad consensus between the two ministries to fix 8.6 per cent interest for this fiscal," a source privy to the development said.

The source further said that EPFO has not worked out the income projection for the current fiscal year. The Central Board of Trustees (CBT), which is the apex decision-making body of EPFO, takes a call on interest rate on the basis of income projection.

The Board fixes the rate of interest for a financial year and it is approved by its advisory body, Finance,

Audit and Investment Committee (FAIC).

As per the practice, the Finance Ministry gives concurrence to the rate of interest fixed by the Central Board of Trustees considering the income projections of a year. After its ratification, the interest rate is notified and credited into the accounts of subscribers.

An official said, "Finance Ministry's concurrence is required to ensure that EPFO's payout does not exceed its income and the body meets the fund requirement from its own resources."

"Finance Ministry wants to bring interest rate to 8.6 per cent for its small savings schemes like Public Provident Fund (PPF) in view of depleting yield of government securities and other saving instruments in the market."

Trade unions have been of consistent view that Finance Ministry should not encroach on the decision of the Central Board of Trustees as EPF is workers' money and they get interest from the income earned on investments of their

EPF subscribers may get 8.6% interest on deposits for current fiscal year Retirement fund body had provided 8.8% interest on deposits in 2015-16 Rate of interest 201314, 2014-15 was higher compared to previous years funds.

In the last fiscal year, EPFO was in a position to provide a rate of interest of 8.95 per cent on the basis of its income projection and it would have left Rs 100 crore surplus.

However, the CBT chose to fix 8.8 per cent interest on EPF for last fiscal year which was further reduced by the Finance Ministry to 8.7 per cent. Facing stiff opposition from all corners, the government accepted CBT's decision of 8.8 per cent interest on EPF for 2015-16.

EPFO had provided a rate of interest of 8.75 per cent in 2013-14 and 2014-15, which was higher than 8.5 per cent in 2012-13 and 8.25 per cent in 2011-12.(PTI)

Sanofi, Google Parent In $500 Million Diabetes Samsung Electronics Shares Slide Joint Venture Paris, Sept 12: French drugmaker Sanofi and Google owner Alphabet's life sciences firm Verily are to invest about $500 million in a diabetes joint venture combining devices with services, an example of growing ties between the pharma and tech sectors.

Sanofi, which made the announcement on Monday, said last year it was working on a partnership with Google in diabetes.

"The company will leverage Verily's experience in miniaturised electronics, analytics, and consumer software development, with Sanofi's clinical expertise and experience in bringing innovative treatments to people living with diabetes," the two companies said in a statement on Monday.

The Sanofi deal comes just after a month after British drugmaker Glaxo SmithKline and U.S.-based Verily - formerly Google Life Sciences - created a new company focused on fighting diseases by targeting electrical signals in the body, jump-starting a novel field of medicine called bioelectronics.

Nearly 400 million people worldwide have diabetes, with the type 2 version accounting for more than 90 percent of cases. Without proper treatment or lifestyle changes, those numbers are expected to grow substantially in the coming years.

The JV, called Onduo, "will initially focus on the type 2 diabetes community, specifically on developing solutions that could help people make better decisions about their day-today health, ranging from improved medication management to improved habits and goals," Sanofi and Verily said.

A spokeswoman for Sanofi said products on sale would include connected objects such as insulin pens and online services.

She said Sanofi had invested $248 million in the joint venture, in which the French group controls a 50 percent stake.

The French group is working hard to revive declining sales in its diabetes division, hurt by sustained pricing pressure in the United States, the world's largest health market.(Agencies)

As Note 7 Recall Takes Toll

The recall is unprecedented for Samsung, which prides itself on its manufacturing prowess

New Delhi, Sept 12: The Cabinet today cleared the process, formation and functioning of the GST Council, which will decide on the rate of tax under the new indirect taxation regime. The Council, to be headed by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and comprising of representative of all 29 states and two union territories, will have to be set up by November 11. It will decide on the tax rate, exemptions and threshold limits in the new indirect tax regime, which is expected to kick in from April 1, 2017.

The government has notified September 12, as the date from which the procedure for setting up of the GST Council will be initiated and which will be completed within 60 days.

According to sources, the Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi today approved the process, formation and functioning of the GST Council. The Cabinet also decided on the constitution of the GST Secretariat and the officers who will implement the decisions of the Council.

The GST Council will be chaired by Union Finance Minister and have a Minister of State for Finance and all state finance ministers as its members.

While the Centre will have one-third vote, states together will have a two-third say. To adopt a resolution, three-fourth majority would be required.

The approval came on the day when the Constitution Amendment Act on GST came into effect.

President Pranab Mukherjee gave his assent

Pic. for Representation. to the bill last week, paving the way for setting up of a GST Council.

GST is a single indirect tax, which will subsume most of the central and state levies such as Value Added Tax (VAT), Excise Duty, Service Tax, Central Sales Tax, additional Customs Duty and special additional duty of customs.

Parliament on August 8 had passed the bill, which then went to the states for ratification. A Constitution Amendment Bill needs to be ratified by the legislative Assemblies of at least 50 per cent of the 29 states and 2 union territories.

The bill was sent to the President's secretariat after as many as 19 states -- BJPruled Assam being the first -- ratified the bill.

The other states, which passed the legislation include Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Nagaland,

Maharashtra, Haryana, Sikkim, Mizoram, Telangana, Goa, Odisha and Rajasthan.

Revenue Secretary Hasmukh Adhia had recently said the government is ahead of schedule for implementation of GST. "Instead of 30 days kept for this (states' ratification), it is achieved in 23 days," he had tweeted.

The states and the Centre are working overtime and talking to stakeholders to draft the Central GST, State GST and Integrated GST laws, which are to be passed in Winter Session of Parliament.

The CGST and IGST will be drafted on the basis of the model GST law. The states will draft their respective State GST (SGST) laws with minor variation incorporating state-based exemptions.

The IGST law would deal with inter-state movement of goods and services.(PTI)

Humsafar Train to Roll Out Next Month With 20% Higher Fares: Report New Delhi, Sept 12: Close on the heels of surge pricing in premier trains like Rajdhani and Shatabdi express, 'Humsafar' trains are set to be launched next month with fares that would be about 20 per cent higher than the normal Mail and Express services.

Announced by Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu during presentation of the Rail Budget 2016-17, Humsafar, a special class service comprising only AC-3 coaches, is likely to be launched between New Delhi and Gorakhpur.

Humsafar is a special class train for inter-city overnight journey with many additional facilities which are otherwise not available in normal AC-3 coaches, said

HIGHLIGHTS Samsung's shares fell to their lowest level in nearly two months

a senior Railway Ministry official.

CCTV, GPS-based passenger information system, fire and smoke detection and suppression system and mobile, laptop charging points with every berth are some of the features on Humsafar trains.

Besides, Humsafar will have improved aesthetics with new interior and exterior colour scheme presenting a futuristic look with the use of vinyl sheets similar to Maharaja Express coaches.

It will also have integrated braille displays.

"Since the train is a special class service with many modern facilities, it has cost more to railways. So the fare will accordingly be on the higher side to match the

additional cost," said the official.

Asked about the quantum of increase in fare, the official said, "The fare structure has not been firmed up yet and is being worked out."

Pressed further, he said fare should not exceed beyond 20 per cent of normal Mail/ Express fare on the route where Humsafar service will be pressed into.

The official said Humsafar will be launched as overnight inter-city service on highdemand routes and some of the destinations have been identified.

Indian Railways recently introduced dynamic surge fares on Rajdhani, Shatabdi and Duronto trains from September 9, drawing criticism from opposition parties.

Yes Bank Slumps 20% in 4 Days; Valuations Attractive, Says BofAML

Tech giant told customers to switch off and return their smatphones Investors had wiped 15.9 trillion won off the South Korean firm's mcap

Seoul, Sept 12: Samsung Electronics Co Ltd's shares fell to their lowest level in nearly two months on Monday after the tech giant told customers to switch off and return their new Galaxy Note 7 smartphones due to fire-prone batteries.

Investors had wiped 15.9 trillion won (14.3 billion) off the South Korean firm's market capitalisation as of 0303 GMT, as a series of warnings from regulators and airlines around the world raised fears for the future of the flagship device.

"Some said initially the Galaxy Note 7 could be the best

smartphone ever, but now it's possible the phone will go down as the worst ever," IBK Securities analyst Lee Seungwoo said, predicting weak sales in the fourth quarter.

Samsung Electronics' common shares were down 6.3 per cent to 1,476,000 won each after touching their lowest level since July 12, and were on track for their biggest daily percentage drop in more than four years.

Analysts said the recall could torpedo Galaxy Note 7 sales and have a lasting impact on the $211 billion company's brand image, which could derail a recovery in its smartphone market share against rivals like Apple Inc.

The global smartphone leader on Saturday urged all customers to turn off their Note 7s and return them as soon as possible as part of the recall which it voluntarily initiated on September 2.

Unprecedented The recall is unprecedented for Samsung, which prides itself on its manufacturing prowess.

Some analysts estimate the firm might lose $5 billion won worth of revenue after accounting for recall costs. The company had said it had sold 2.5 million Galaxy Note 7s that need to be replaced.

Nomura said it had cut its forecast for Samsung's third-quar-

ter mobile operating profit by 900 billion won to 3.1 trillion won in the wake of the Note 7 recall.

"Even if Samsung puts Note 7s with new batteries in the market it won't sell as well as it had initially," HMC Investment analyst Greg Roh said.

"Long-term, it will cost Samsung significant marketing spending to ensure the next products can overcome this issue."

The Note 7 problems are a major blow to Samsung's efforts to build on the strong sales of its Galaxy S7 smartphones launched in March.

The firm was beginning to claw back smartphone market share and had tried to pre-empt Apple by launching the almost $900 Note 7 on Aug. 19, about a month ahead of the latest iPhone release.

The recall forced Samsung to halt sales indefinitely in markets such as the United States and push back launches in other regions such as Europe.(PTI)

Yes Bank trades attractively at 3.4 times its FY17 estimated book value, the brokerage said.

Surajit Dasgupta Mumbai, Sept 12: Yes Bank shares fell as much as 6 per cent today to Rs 1,201, extending their slump to the fourth day.

Including today's fall, Yes Bank's shares are down nearly 20 per cent in four days.

The sentiment in Yes Bank shares took a beating after the private sector lender last week deferred its plans to raise $1 billion (Rs 6,600 crore) through QIP (qualified institutional placement), citing extreme volatility in trading due to misinterpretation of new guidelines.

The issue launched on Wednesday was pulled on the advice of merchant bankers, the lender said in a stock exchange filing. Some analysts also attributed the fall in Yes Bank

shares to profit-taking after the shares of the lender nearly doubled year to date.

Despite the big fall in the stock, global brokerage Bank of America Merrill Lynch has maintained a "buy" rating, citing attractive valuation.

Yes Bank trades attractively at 3.4 times its FY17 estimated book value, the brokerage said.

Yes Banks remains in a fundamentally strong position and 25 per cent-plus growth rates are achievable for the lender, BofAML said.

The brokerage has a target price of Rs 1,590/share on Yes Bank.

At 11:07 a.m., shares of Yes Bank were down 4.6 per cent at Rs 1,217 as compared to a 1.6 per cent fall in Nifty50 index.

EDITORIAL

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13

Today's quote

“

"One individual may die for an idea; but that idea will, after his death, incarnate itself in a thousand lives".

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose

ISRO makes India proud again

T

he Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) crossed an important milestone with the suc cessful launch of weather satellite INSAT-3DR using a Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle equipped with the indigenous cryogenic upper stage.

The successful launch marks a departure from the long history of failures with the GSLV; except for the first, every launch of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), the workhorse of ISRO, has been a success.

That September 8 launch marks the third consecutive success; the fact that it is the first operational flight by the GSLV carrying the indigenous cryogenic upper stage is confirmation that India now belongs to the elite club of countries that have mastered the cryogenic technology.

Maintaining structural and thermal integrity of the engine at very high temperatures during combustion just a few centimetres away from - 250° C, a temperature at which materials behave very differently, is a huge challenge. Likewise, igniting a cryogenic fuel and sustaining the combustion for a prolonged period is a daunting task. The Thursday launch had fully utilised the maximum payload carrying capacity of the GSLV-Mk II by carrying the heaviest satellite (2,211 kg) ever from Indian soil. This became possible only because the cryogenic upper stage was used. Unlike solid and liquid propellants, the specific impulse or thrust provided by a cryogenic rocket stage is much higher and is therefore more efficient to carry heavier payloads.

Unlike in the case of the PSLV where industry participation is around 80 per cent, it is only about half in the case of the GSLV. ISRO is a research and development organisation and not a production organisation, but the lack of greater industry participation has resulted in it being unable to launch more satellites in a year using the GSLV. However, efforts are under way to change this and ISRO has set a target of two GSLV launches in a year by 2018-2019. Even as the GSLVMk II has completed its first operational flight, ISRO is busy preparing for a ground qualification test of a more powerful GSLV-Mk III launch vehicle in about two months.

The first experimental flight using the GSLV-Mk III is scheduled to take place by the end of this year and will use a new cryogenic engine. With an ability to provide double the thrust compared with the current cryogenic technology, the vehicle would be able to carry payloads up to four tonnes. This would mean that the GSLV-Mk III, when fully operational after three-four launches, will make ISRO truly independent by not having to rely on facilities abroad for launching heavier payloads. Besides independence, the country would stand to gain tremendously through cheaper launches.

An office of loss After the categorical verdict of the Delhi High Court last month that the Capital is a Union Territory, it was quite clear that any decision made by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal without the Lieutenant Governor's approval will be rendered illegal. Counsel for the Delhi government had to concede the point in court, leading to the appointment of 21 Delhi legislators as parliamentary secretaries being set aside. The appointments, made in March 2015, suffered from multiple legal infirmities.

Apart from the lack of the LG's concurrence, it raised the question of whether it was an 'office of profit' under the government, something legislators are barred from holding. The penalty stipulated in the Constitution for a legislator holding an office of profit is disqualification.

The Election Commission has reserved its verdict on the question whether these 21 MLAs have incurred such disqualification, and it is possible for the Aam Aadmi Party now to ask the matter to be closed, citing the court's setting aside of the appointments.

At the same time, it cannot be denied that the EC could still choose to decide whether these MLAs had indeed held an office of profit for nearly a year-and-a-half. They had been rendered further vulnerable after the President withheld assent to a Delhi Bill to protect them from incurring disqualification - once again because it was introduced without the LG's approval.

Mr. Kejriwal could have avoided this setback had he not given executive oversight responsibilities to so many of his party's legislators. In practice, parliamentary secretaries are junior ministers. In this case, their appointment could also have been challenged on the ground that after their inclusion, the strength of the Council of Ministers had exceeded the constitutional limit of 10 per cent on the strength of the Delhi Assembly.

In the case of other States, the limit is 15 per cent. In some States, parliamentary secretaries have been able to stave off disqualification by getting the post saved from disqualification by legislation. However, no one has been able to get around the numerical cap on the size of the Ministry under Article 164(1A) of the Constitution. All told, Mr. Kejriwal got himself into a legal quagmire by seeking to take on the LG in the belief he had the same leeway as other CMs did. He will continue to maintain that the post of parliamentary secretary, inasmuch as it entails no salary or perquisites, is not an office of profit. Yet, it cannot be denied that the issue has caused him loss - of face, of credibility and some of the moral righteousness that propelled him to power.

PAGE 6

That old crossroads feeling, garnished by personality differences "There aren't too many grand ideas right now on saving Test cricket".

SURESH MENON the on-going ICC chief and series have lost it.

Time was when the International Cricket Council and the Board of Control for Cricket in India spoke in one voice. Chiefly because only the BCCI had a voice. The ICC was merely an echo.

Now, interestingly, the organisation led by Shashank Manohar (ICC) and the one led by Anurag Thakur (BCCI), former friends who brought the Srinivasan era in administration to an end, seem to be speaking in different voices.

Perhaps Thakur has not forgiven Manohar for quitting the national body and move over to the international one at a time when the BCCI was dealing with the Lodha Commission and its fallout.

Perhaps it is not merely about ego clashes but fundamental philosophical differences. Perhaps it has to do with the temperament of the two men, one whose interests are intensely India-centric, and the other who now has to think for 105 countries, the entire cricket family.

Whatever the reason,

executives meeting in Dubai seems charged. It was expected to change the face of cricket, with the introduction of the two-tier system. Thakur has thrown his lot behind Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, Bangladesh, West Indies and Pakistan all of whom object to the two-tier system on grounds of lesser teams being rendered irrelevant and perhaps even encouraged to disappear from the Test fraternity.

An old problem This may be a coincidence, but it is an old ICC problem - Whites versus the rest - dressed up in new colours. England, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand are for the twotier system. FICA, the players' body, has said that 72 per cent of players they polled were for the two-tier system. It would be interesting to see the break-up of the voters. It sounds dubious because there are more players in the naysaying countries than there are in the yea-saying ones; the explanation may lie in unexpected altruism, though.

The argument in favour of two divisions involves context, and how individual matches

This sounds like television talking, and although thanks to its millions, television will have a say, that approach is motivated by profit while the ICC has necessarily to focus on what's good for the game.

The proposal for boards which generate greater television revenue to share that revenue with the poorer ones is sound in principle.

The fear that a Bangladesh versus Zimbabwe series might lack television support can be overcome by working out a system where for every marquee series - The Ashes, or India v.

Pakistan - television must also be obliged to cover the "lesser" series.

You can't have the icing without the cake.

Test cricket is at a crossroads. Even if this is the cry in every generation, we cannot afford to ignore it for this time it may be for real.

Already public interest in Zimbabwe and the West Indies is dangerously low. In New Zealand it is not the most popular sport, rugby is. You can't have endless series among four or five teams. The law of diminishing re-

turns will apply.

And anyway, the lesser beating the greater provides a major thrill in every sport.

Sri Lanka, who may be relegated to the second division, thrashed Australia, the then No. 1 team, 3-0 recently. With inter-divisional rivalry ruled out, that would not happen.

Exodus and wage issues If players in the second division (it is conceivable that some of the giants might find themselves there over a period) migrate to being full-time T20 players, the rot will be complete.

Thakur himself had sug-

gested a solution for this problem: reduce the wage gap between Test cricket and T20. FICA might have to say something about salary caps, though.

The fact, remains, however, that there aren't too many grand ideas right now on saving Test cricket, and there might be an argument for at least trying out the few that are available.

The four-day Test match would be an attempt to bring the longest format closer to the shorter ones. But Test cricket's salvation lies in remaining as distinct from the shorter formats as possible, an island of

irrationality and illogicality in a sea of obviousness and charted courses.

When in doubt, postpone, is a well honed tactic at all such meetings, and not just of the ICC. Chances are, no immediate decisions will be taken, and the problem carried over to October. Meanwhile, attempts will be made to get the nay-sayers on board.

The BCCI, meanwhile, has problems at home as the deadlines for putting into effect the Lodha Commission's rulings will exercise them even as a crowded home season gets underway.

There is something about cricket - perhaps because it often stands for something beyond itself - that invites a kind of generational hopelessness.

Walter Hammond thought that cricket was doomed to self-destruct because there was too much of it.

That was over 60 years ago. The essayist E.V. Lucas thought that commercialisation and a "hard utilitarianism" would destroy the game.

He wrote that in 1907.

Pessimists of the past thus give rise to the optimists of the present.

Rights for abducted children "India's accession to the Hague Convention would resolve the issue of inter-country parental child removal".

ANIL MALHOTRA Today, many Indians live abroad, foreign nationals come to stay in India, and Indians who had earlier moved abroad are now moving back to India. Problems arise when children are caught in this migration, when one parent goes to another country, taking the child along, but without the permission of the other parent. What happens to the child who has been abducted? What are his or her rights?

There are several legal issues confronting the issue of transnational inter-spousal child removal. It is unfortunate that when a child is abducted by his or her own parent to India, while custody issues are pending determination in the courts of his or her habitual permanent residence abroad, there is little that local law enforcement agencies can do to remedy the situation. This is because there are no codified family laws or specific child custody laws under which these children can be returned to their homes in a foreign jurisdiction. An aggrieved parent with a foreign court order requiring return of the child finds no

slot in the Indian legal system, wherein a wholesome statutory remedy can be invoked for effective relief.

Regardless, the Indian legal system provides succour by invoking the habeas corpus writ. Bitter disputed custody battles requiring conventional evidence to be established fall under the outdated Guardians and Wards Act, 1890. Parents then have to seek resolution of rights of access, custody, guardianship and visitation as a last resort of the proof of their superior parental rights.

Converse reality This dilemma has now worsened with the converse also taking place, which means that children from India are also being abducted abroad and cannot be traced there or legally directed to be returned.

When families get split across countries, conflicting child custody litigations are initiated under the separate legal systems of different nations. Ninety-four states are party to the Hague Convention on Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, which desires "to protect children internationally

from the harmful effects of their wrongful removal or retention and to establish procedures to ensure their prompt return to the State of their habitual residence, as well as to secure protection for rights of access". India is not one of them. The question of India's accession to the Convention first came about in 2007, but reached no logical end.

Meanwhile, in India, the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction Bill, 2007, to secure the prompt return of wrongly removed or returned children, lapsed before reaching Parliament.

Proposed Bill On June 22, 2016, the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) uploaded on its website a proposal to enact a draft of the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction Bill, 2016. This was considered as it was imperative to have an enabling legislation in India before accession to the Hague Convention. The proposed Bill, to be renamed as the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction Bill, 2016, was placed on the Ministry's website for comments till July 13. Hopefully now, a final version may find Parliament's approval to become a codified law.

The proposed Bill considers the removal to or the retention of a child in India to be wrongful if it is in breach of rights of custody attributed to a person, an institution, or any other body, either jointly or alone, at a place where the child was habitually resident immediately before the removal or retention. It further stipulates that the removal to or the retention in India of a child is to be considered wrongful where at the time of removal or retention those rights were actually exercised, either jointly or alone, by a person, an institution or any other body, or would have been so exercised, but for the removal or retention.

The draft Bill was prepared following a reference made by the Punjab and Haryana High Court to the Law Commission of India to consider whether recommendations should be made for enacting a suitable law and for signing the Hague Convention. The High Court had made this reference when a minor child remained untraceable after she was removed from the de jure custody of the court and taken abroad by misusing an interim order of 2006. The court had observed in its order that for

Punctuality plays an impor-

tant role in every walk of life.

Students must reach the schools and colleges on time. Workers, managers, officers and executives must attend their duties on time.

Trains, buses, aeroplanes must arrive and depart at the right time. Thus, if every right thing is done at the right time, there will not be any dislocation anywhere.

The court ruled that: one, the principle of Comity of Courts and nations must be respected and the best interest of the child should apply; two, the principle of "first strike", namely, whichever court is seized of the matter first, ought to have prerogative of jurisdiction in adjudicating the welfare of the child; three, the rule of Comity of Courts should not be jettisoned except for compelling special reasons to be recorded in writing by a domestic court; four, interlocutory orders of foreign courts of competent jurisdiction regarding child custody must be respected by domestic courts; five, an elaborate or summary enquiry by local courts when there is a pre-existing order of a competent foreign court must be based on reasons and not ordered as routine when a local court is seized of a child custody litigation;

six, the nature and effect of a foreign court order, reasons for repatriation, moral, physical, social, cultural or psychological harm to the child, harm to the parent in the foreign country, and alacrity in moving a concerned foreign court must be considered before ordering return of a child to a foreign court.

The above decision set at rest a string of precedents laid down by courts from time to time to evolve a consistent approach in multijurisdictional child custody disputes.

However, law still needs to be codified. India's accession to the Hague Convention would resolve the issue since it is based on the principle of reverting the situation to status quo ante.

It is also based on the principle that the removed child ought to be promptly returned to his or her country of habitual residence to enable a court of that country to examine the merits of the custody dispute and thereupon award care and control in the child's best interest. This is because the courts of the country where the child had permanent or habitual residence are considered to best determine the child's interest.

Infiltration, Eviction, Agitationists And Intellectuals

Punctuality is the key to success Punctuality means the exactness in keeping timer and appointments. It is defined as a quality by virtue of which a person is able to do the right thing at the right time and never offers an excuse for the delay in work.

want of the Indian government acceding to the Hague Convention or enacting a domestic law, children would continue to be spirited away from and to India, with courts and authorities "standing by in despair".

It is important in this context to look at the watershed verdict of the Supreme Court in Surya Vadanan v.

State of Tamil Nadu (2015).

Sir, Much have been said on the porous border with Bangladesh. Our union Home Minister Raj Nath Singh expressed his concern from time to time giving strict strictures to the BSF manning the border to tighten the vigilance. Only the other, Chief-minister Sarbananda Sonowal paid a visit to several places bordering Bangladesh, he was surprised to note the vulneribilty of most of the areas of the border. Sri Sonowal stated that he would arrange to take certain efficacious measures and that by 2017 the border with Bangladesh would be completely sealed. That among those infiltrating into India, good number

of jehadis too enter, there is no doubt about it. Time and again, these jehadis make their presence felt by their subversive activities, but that does not suffice to convince our ministers about the gravity of the situation arising out of a porous border.

Those so-called Sentinel of the border make themselves a laughing stock for tacitly allowing the cow smugglers take the cows to Bangladesh.

This issue despite being Chronic has been continuing unabated - thanks to the lackadaisical and avaricious attitude of those Sentinels of the border. That apart, forest products viz. stones, sands, woods and narcotics

are also illegally smuggled to Bangladesh hoodwinking the vigilance of the BSF. It is unfortunate that some so called agitationists and intellectuals never accept that infiltration actually takes place and that these agitationists are up and doing to foil any attempt of the government to evict such dubious citizens from government lands. May good sense prevail in them!

Yours etc.

Ashok Bordoloi.

Dibrugarh.

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13

REST OF

PAGE 7

NORTHEAST

Had talked to Assam CM on CBI files charge sheet against state coal baron border dispute: Sangma for illegal exporting coal to Bangladesh

PTI Shillong, Sep 12: Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma on Monday said he had taken up with his Assam counterpart Sarbananda Sonowal the issue of resolving the interstate boundary problem.

"I have taken up with my counterparts on the sidelines of our meetings. I have also written a letter drawing his attention on the need for resumption of dialogue," Sangma told the Assembly during question hour.

He said Meghalaya's stand on the claims of ownership of the disputed areas along the inter-state borders has been very strong backed by proper documents.

The chief minister was replying to a query posed by Hill State Peoples' Democratic Party (HSPDP) legislator P Pangniang who sought to know the latest status of the talks with Assam.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma Sangma narrated the steps taken by his government in the past which included a resolution unanimously passed in 2011 on the need to have a border commission.

The resolution was countered by the then Congress government led by Tarun Gogoi in Assam following which a new strategy was adopted, he said.

Leader of Opposition Donkupar Roy said certain areas known as Block I and Block II were transferred to Assam in the 1970s. "We want them back. We do not need documents," he said.

Meghalaya and Assam have at least 12 disputed pockets including the two Blocks in Ri-Bhoi and Jaintia Hills districts and the areas at Langpih in West Khasi Hills district.

NSCN (K) seeks 'tax' from govt depts Agencies New Delhi, Sep 12: After abrogating the ceasefire truce with the government, the banned National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang) has increased its extortion activities in the state and is using women to transport the so-called 'tax money from India to Myanmar.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA), which recently began a probe into the extortion racket run by NSCN(K) in Nagaland, found that the outfit had prepared a list of 24 government departments, including irrigation, social welfare and housing, in the state from where to collect 24% of

government employees' salaries and funds meant for development works.

In the current financial year, NSCN (K) is said to be targeting collection of Rs 8-10 crore from government departments and influential individuals in the state. They are learnt to have collected Rs 20 lakh till July from the irrigation and social welfare departments.

According to sources, finance in-charge of NSCN (K), S Khetoshe Sumi, was tasked by the outfit's Myanmarbased leadership S Khaplang and Isac Sumi to collect extortion money from these de partments. He would call people in gov-

ernment departments or meet them in person and tell them that they had to pay 24% `tax' from the funds, sources said.

He would move frequently between Ko hima and Dimapur for the purpose before he was caught by agencies a few weeks ago.

After abrogating the ceasefire with the government in March 2015, the outfit has been involved in various attacks on security forces including the June 4, 2015 ambush on an Army convoy in Manipur's Chandel area in which 18 soldiers of Dogra Regiment were killed.

FICN racket busted in Ri Bhoi, 6 held Agencies Nongpoh, Sep 12: Police on Sunday busted a FICN racket and arrested six persons during a surprise raid at Rangsakona, 15 Mer, under Byrnihat Police Outpost in Ri Bhoi district on Sundaymorning at around 11am.

Based on specific inputs by intelligence sources about circulation of Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN), a police team led by the Ri Bhoi Superintendent of Police and

the Officer in charge of Khanapara police station conducted the raid and arrested six persons identified as Manirul Ansari from Goalpara, Md. Ishmail Ali from Tinsukia, Monosh Gogoi from Dibrugarh, Firoz Khan from Tinsukia, Raju Lama from Lower Dibang, Arunachal Pradesh and Hamidul Ali from Kamrup.

From their possession, police recovered 57 fake notes of Rs 500 denomination, a bundle of sealed

carbon paper showing Rs 1000, 59 bundles of plain papers cut to the size of Rs 1000 notes, 25 fake carbon notes of Rs 1000 denomination, 2 bundles of white paper and one trolley box. Police also seized three vehicles in the possession of the accused.

a clean administration," Roy said recently.

The regional parties are hoping for a change in 2018 due to the infighting in the Congress and the anti-incumbency factor as they prepare for the Assembly polls.

When asked, Roy agreed that the people of Meghalaya are dissatisfied with the functioning of the Congress-led government. "We want to ensure

the coal being actually transported from Nongstoin to Karimganj via Dima Hasao district in Assam between January 25, 2015, and March 10 this year. This had caused loss to the government to the tune of over Rs 32 lakh towards non-payment of central excise duties, at the rate of Rs 29.29 per MT payable in Meghalaya and coal royalty under the NGT order at the rate of Rs 675 per MT. Investigation by the CBI revealed that NGT had banned extraction and transportation of coal in Meghalaya with effect from May 13, 2014, till November 19, 2014. Later, on the request of coal miners of Meghalaya and the State government, NGT ordered an assessment of the already extracted coal in all the districts with coal mines. Accordingly, NGT allowed transportation of the extracted coal with effect from November 20, 2014, to February 12, 2015.

As per the NGT coal inventory data sheet annexure, Lyngkhoi had declared 15,121 MT coal in West Khasi Hills district. However, as per the assessment report submitted by the high-level committee, his total assessed coal was

FKJGP meets Don Bosco Society over unemployment Agencies Shillong, Sep 12: A delegation of FKJGP (Mawlai Circle) members met the authorities of Don Bosco Technical Society in Laitumkhrah on Wednesday to discuss the increasing unemployment in the State.

The pressure group, in a press communiquĂŠ, said the Society has assured jobs for the youth "provided they sincerely complete the two-month

training". Any person above the age of 18 can apply for training at the Society with a payment of Rs 1,000 as admission fee, of which Rs 500 will be refunded, the delegation was informed.

FKJGP has urged all unemployed youth to take the opportunity to enroll for training in electrical (for males only), hospitality, industrial sewing machine operator etc.

Kuki groups to rally for justice in genocide case

a corruption-free government in the State and this, we hope, will be achieved with the support of the people," he said.

Coming to the discussion on the resolution for removal of Assembly Speaker AT Mondal to be taken up by the State Assembly on Friday, the UDP leader wishes that there should not be any personal attack on the office of the Speaker.

found to be 19,946.30 MT at different locations of West Khasi Hills.

Transportation of the already extracted coal was allowed by NGT vide order dated November 12, 2014 through designated checkpoints. The approved weighbridges for West Khasi Hills were Dainadubi in East Garo Hills and Umling, Ri Bhoi. Later, another check-gate was set up at Mawpun, near Riangdo, West Khasi Hills.

The CBI investigation revealed that after NGT granted permission to transport coal from November 20, 2014, Lyngkhoi had transported 851 trucks of coal (7,659 MTs) from Nogstoin to Guwahati via Umling.

Also, as per Lyngkhoi's documents seized from Sutarkandi LCS, he had transported 905 trucks of coal (8,145 MT) from Nongstoin to Guwahati between November 20, 2014, and February 12, 2015, which were purportedly transported from Guwahati to Karimganj via Nagaon, Dima Hasao district, between the last week of January 2015 and the last week of February 2015.

It was revealed that Lyngkhoi had transported

only 851 trucks of coal from Nongstoin to Guwahati during the period as per the record of the Taxation Department at Umling taxation check gate, which proved that 54 trucks (486 MT of coal) were not transported by Lyngkhoi from Nongstoin.

However, all the coal papers, including mineral transport challans and P forms issued by DMR and the Transport Department, bore the seal of Umling taxation check gate.

The documents for the 54 coal trucks that did not pass through the Umling check gate did not have genuine seal impressions.

The CBI said the coal dealer might have prepared similar seals with that of Umling taxation check-gate. "The vehicles did not pass through the Umling taxation check-gate as per their records and the seal impressions on those coal papers also do not resemble those of the Umling taxation check-gate. They differ in letters and seal sizes, hence seal impressions are fake," the CBI observed.

The FIR by the CBI had earlier named public servants Hiranmoy Dutta, superintendent of Sutarkandi Land Customs Station under

Karimganj Customs Division Assam, Surojit Roy, then inspector of Sutarkandi Land Customs Station under Karimganj Customs Division Assam and now posted at Old Raghna Bazar Land Customs Station near Dharmanagar (Tripura) under Karimganj Customs Division Assam, Anil Kumar Deb and WJK Meitei , inspectors of Sutarkandi Land Customs Station under Karimganj Customs Division Assam for allegedly using their official position to transport coal illegally.

During investigation, sufficient evidence and criminality could not be established against these officers, the CBI said. "However, there were certain lapses on their part in allowing clearing the exports which were departmental in nature and accordingly, they have been referred to the department concerned for action and hence they are not to be sent to face trial," the CBI report said.

The allegations against them were that they allowed the transportation of coal from Meghalaya to Bangladesh in violation of the NGT order by using coal challans issued by the Directorate Mineral Resources.

Manipur Congress MLA defects to BJP IANS Imphal, Sep 12: Former Minister and senior Congress legislator Yumkham Erabot on Monday formally joined the BJP. He had earlier resigned from the Manipur Legislative Assembly as well as from the Congress.

State BJP President K h e t r i m a y u m Bhabananda and others welcomed Erabot in their office.

Bhabananda said: "Erabot is an honest and spirited politician.

But in the last 15 years he failed to implement any developmental works in his Wangkhei constituency, which show how corrupt the Congress government has been."

Former party president and now election strategist for BJP, Thounaojam Chaoba said, "The senior

State BJP President Khetrimayum Bhabananda

leaders in Congress have themselves expressed that there is a need for change."

Erabot said that the people of his constituency had urged him to resign.

The Congress refused to comment on the development.

Chaoba claimed that more Congressmen will join the

BJP. Sources told IANS that there were chances of mass resignation demanding a reshuffle and change of leadership.

In the 60 member Manipur assembly, the Congress had 42 members, while the BJP had two.

112 kids with AIDS leading 'normal life

The Ri Bhoi district police chief informed that investigation will be conducted to find out whether others were also involved in the FICN racket.

Roy confident of a graft-free Govt under UDP post 2018 Agencies Shillong, Sep 12: Opposition leader and UDP president Donkupar Roy has predicted the victory of regional parties when they face the Assembly polls in 2018 even as he asserted that the agenda of the UDP will be a corruption-free government.

"The situation is very much favourable to the non- Congress parties and they will make a difference in 2018 and provide

Agencies Shillong, Sep 12: The CBI has filed a charge sheet against a coal baron in Meghalaya for exporting coal to Bangladesh in violation of the NGT ban on coal mining.

The accused, Khrikshon Lyngkhoi, a coal miner and exporter hailing from West Khasi Hills and currently residing in the city, has been charge sheeted by the CBI in a lower court in Guwahati onJuly 20 for allegedly transporting huge quantity of coal and fraudulently exporting them to Bangladesh via Assam.

The CBI officer, Anti-Corruption Branch in Shillong, during the probe found that Lyngkhoi was involved in illegal transportation of coal and hence he should stand for trial. The accused has got bail. When contacted, the counsel for the accused, Raghvendra Jha, denied the allegations saying he would face trial to prove his innocence.

The CBI found that coal was transported to Bangladesh by using challans issued by the Directorate of Mineral Resources in the name of Lyngkhoi and bill challans, central excise invoices issued by Lyngkhoi without

Pic for representation Agencies Imphal, Sep 12: Various Kuki groups will bring out rallies acrossManipur on Tuesday to mark 'Sahnit Ni' (Black Day), demanding long-delayed justice for the victims of NSCN (IM)-sponsored 'genocide' that took place in the early nineties.

Nine hundred and five innocent Kukis, including women, children and the elderly people, were killed, 360 villages were destroyed by the NSCN (IM) in Manipur, read a statement issued by Kuki Students' Organization (KSO) general

headquarters (GHq).

Over 1,00,000 villagers were rendered homeless. The 'Black Day' will be observed jointly

by Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) and KSO GHq at Khongsai Veng in Imphal and various areas in Churachandur, Senapati, Chandel, Ukhrul and Tamenglong districts. "It is hard to fathom how the largest democracy in the world with a strong and dignified justice system has utterly failed to settle this crime of genocide and deliver justice," said the statement issued

by KSO Ghq general secretary Seiboi Haokip.

Agencies Shillong, Sep 12: There are 112 children below the age of 15 years in Meghalaya who are living with HIV (CLHIV) till August 2016 as per a State report.

Speaking to The Shillong Times, Iadaphiralang Wriah, Assistant Director, Care Support and Treatment, informed that the children are living a normal life.

centre," she said.

She added that the ART centre maintains a chart to monitor the growth of the children. When asked whether the children faced discrimination in school, she said no such cases have come up till date.

"Some teachers know that their students are suffering from HIV and it is not necessary that all should come to know," Wriah added.

"The children are regularly given the antiretroviral therapy (ART) at the ART centre at Shillong Civil Hospital.

They are living a normal life and going to school regularly. However, the children have stunted growth and their growth is monitored at the ART

Fortunately for the children, their parents/ guardians are caring.

"The children would ask their parents as to why they have to take medicines. However, once they reach maturity they will understand. We have counseled the parents/guardians on how

to deal with the children," she said.

She informed that children within 3 years need to start the ART treatment.

Meanwhile, Christine Marbaniang, Project Director, Meghalaya AIDS Control Society, informed that there has been no AIDS related death in the State but people had reportedly died due to co-infection.

She said, "A person may die from co-infection, for instance tuberculosis and HIV co-infection is when people are suffering from either latent or active TB disease or HIV infection. Hence, strict adherence to ART to prevent development of HIV infection is mandatory."

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13

INTERNATIONAL

PAGE 8

Clinton cancels California trip North Korea flood death toll rises after pneumonia diagnosis to 133 with 395 missing, says UN New York, Sept 12: US Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton has cancelled a campaign trip to California after being diagnosed with pneumonia.

Mrs Clinton was taken ill on Sunday at a 9/11 memorial ceremony, stumbling as she left the event early.

The candidate's team said she was diagnosed with pneumonia on Friday and given antibiotics, but had become dehydrated at the New York event.

Her doctor said she was now re-hydrated and "recovering nicely".

Mrs Clinton was due to leave for California on Monday morning for a twoday trip that included fundraisers and a speech on the economy.

Her personal physician, Dr Lisa Bardack, said: "Secretary Clinton has been experiencing a cough related to allergies. On Friday, during

Mrs. Clinton waved to photographs after she left her daughter's home in New York follow-up evaluation of her prolonged cough, she was diagnosed with pneumonia.

She was put on antibiotics, and advised to rest and modify her schedule."

On Sunday, video showed Mrs Clinton being supported by aides as she entered a van to leave the 9/11

ceremony.

She was taken to her daughter's flat nearby and her team said she was "overheated". The candidate re-emerged later on Sunday, telling reporters: "I'm feeling great. It's a beautiful day in New York."

She then left for her home

Bangladesh fire tragedy toll rises to 32 case against the Tampaco Foils Factory owner and six others with Tongi Police Station last night.

Owner Mokbul Hossain was named as the prime accused, BD News quoted Officer-in-Charge of Tongi Police Station Firoz Talukder as saying.

About 100 people were believed to have been inside the food and cigarette packaging unit.

Dhaka, Sept 12: The death toll in the fire tragedy at a Bangladeshi factory today climbed to 32 after more bodies were retrieved from under the debris and authorities called in a team of army to join the rescue operation.

Gazipur fire service's Deputy Assistant Director Md Aktaruzzaman said three more bodies have been recovered from the building today.

The flames in the factory

were not doused completely .Fire was still being spotted here and there.

The army also joined the operation.

The father of a victim filed a

The fire was initially thought to have triggered by a powerful boiler explosion at the Tempako Packaging Factory in Tongi industrial area near Dhaka, but officials later claimed they have found the factory tank intact fuelling speculation that a gas leak could be the reason behind the blast.

About 100 people were believed to have been inside the food and cigarette packaging unit when the explosion occurred.

"About 100 people were believed to have been inside the food and cigarette packaging unit when the explosion occurred"

in Chappaqua, New York.

Mrs Clinton's Republican opponents have queried her physical fitness. Presidential candidate Donald Trump told his supporters last month she "lacks the mental and physical stamina" to serve as president and to fight the socalled Islamic State.

Mr Trump's team has not yet made any comment on Mrs Clinton's pneumonia diagnosis.

Last month, Dr Bardack said the candidate was "in excellent health and fit to serve as president of the United States". She made a full recovery from surgery she underwent in 2012 for a blood clot, the doctor added.

The Clinton campaign has accused opponents of pushing a "deranged conspiracy about Clinton's health". Mrs Clinton is 68.

Her Republican opponent Donald Trump is 70.

Police: 6 Shot, 1 Fatally, After Peace Rally in Alabama Alabama, Sept 12:Police in Alabama say six people were shot, one fatally, after a peace rally at a public housing community.

According to AL.com (http://bit.ly/2cx51i4), police say the shooting happened at 8:25 p.m.

Sunday at Gate City in Birmingham.

Birmingham police spokesman Sgt. Bryan Shelton says that all six victims were innocent bystanders. The condition of the other five victims was not immediately available.

Police say the shootings took place about an hour after the peace rally ended in the community's Lewis Park.

Police are investigating.

Details about suspects and a motive were not immediately available

Syria's Assad at Eid Workers Sue Popular SF Restaurant, prayers in town surrendered by rebels Burma Superstar

Bashar al-Assad (4th from R) performing the prayer of the Muslim holiday of the Eid al-Adha Syria, Sept 12 : President Bashar al-Assad appeared at prayers in Daraya where rebels recently surrendered after a punishing government siege Syrian President Bashar alAssad made a rare public appearance on Monday at prayers for the Muslim Eid al-Adha holiday in the town of Daraya, recently surrendered by rebels.

State media showed the embattled leader attending the prayers at the Saad Bin Moaz mosque in the town outside Damascus, which was previously a rebel stronghold.

After years of government siege and fighting, its remaining residents and rebel fighters evacuated the town in late August under a deal with the government, which has since retaken control.

Assad was joined at the prayers by a number of members of his ruling Baath party, as well as several

ministers and members of parliament.

The mufti, or Muslim cleric, presiding over the prayers, hailed Daraya as an example for Syria, which has been ravaged by conflict since 2011.

"Daraya is living proof for all Syrians that the only option available to you is reconciliation and abandoning fighting," said Adnan alAfiyuni, mufti for Damascus province.

Rebel fighters said they had been forced to agree to the deal with the government after the siege created a humanitarian crisis for Daraya's remaining residents.

But the government has touted the deal, and other similar agreements, as the best way to achieve local ceasefires and end the violence.

More than 290,000 people have been killed and over half the population displaced since the conflict began.

Burma Superstar Burma, Sept 12: Current and former employees of the popular San Francisco restaurant chain, Burma Superstar, filed a lawsuit Thursday, alleging the restaurant has lacked proper and fair wages for its workers.

Attorneys for the plaintiffs are seeking a class-action status, claiming the popular restaurant chain failed to pay many workers minimum wage while denying overtime pay breaks and even sick leave. Several workers also claimed the restaurant did not keep accurate time and pay records, resulting in false wage statements.

Driver, 3-Year-Old Victim ID'd in Fatal I-680 Crash "We are their workers, but we are also people," said Mong Tsai Ma, a cook at Burma Superstar in Oak-

land. "We just want to be treated fairly, and we want them to change their practice.

The majority of the workers the lawsuit aims to cover are immigrants who speak Spanish, Chinese, or Burmese.

Mother Who Lost Son on 9/11 Lashes Out at President Obama "These brave workers have overcome cultural and language barriers to join together in bringing this case, not just for themselves, but for workers who are too scared to step forward," said Palyn Hung Mitchell, an attorney at Advancing Justice-Asian Law Caucus.

Burma Superstar operates restaurants in Alameda, Oakland and San Francisco.

North Korea, Sept 12 : The death toll from severe flooding in a North Korean border region has risen to 133 with another 395 missing and tens of thousands left homeless, the UN has said.

Washington, Sept 12: Some 107,000 people had been forced to flee their homes in the area along the Tumen River, the UN said in a statement citing Pyongyang Government figures.

People in the north eastern region near the border with China and Russia were suffering "great hardship", according to North Korean

state media.

A nationwide massmobilisation 200-day labour campaign intended to bolster the economy has been redirected to assist the flood victims.

More than 35,500 houses have been hit by floods, with 69 per cent of them completely destroyed, and 8,700 public buildings damaged, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said in a statement.

About 16,000 hectares of farmland had been inundated and at least 140,000

people urgently needed help, it said.

OCHA said a group made

Key points: 107,000 people forced to flee their homes 35,500 houses hit by floods 140,000 people urgently need help up of UN agencies, international NGOs, the international Red Cross and the

China announces reforms to improve rights record The reforms followed criticism over the treatment meted out to dissidents and the human rights lawyers with prison terms.

China, Sept 12: Amid global criticism over its rights record, China on Monday announced reforms in laws protecting human rights as well as outlined measures to improve the conditions of prisons and detention centres.

Chinese judicial authorities have introduced reforms in many areas in order to further improve the legal guarantee procedure of human rights, an official white paper issued on Monday said.

Titled "New Progress in the Judicial Protection of Human Rights in China", the White Paper issued by the central cabinet said China has introduced reforms in the case admitting system by converting the case-filing review system into a case-filing register system.

China has revised the Criminal Procedure Law,

and implemented principles of legality, in dubio pro reo, exclusion of unlawful evidence, the white paper said.

The reforms followed criticism over the treatment meted out to dissidents and the human rights lawyers with prison terms.

The country also revises the Civil Procedure Law to effectively settle disputes, revised the Administrative Procedure Law to strengthen the protection of legitimate rights and interests of private parties in administrative lawsuits, the white paper said, adding it enacted the first Anti-Domestic Violence Law to strengthen legal protection of the personal rights of victims of domestic violence.

Judicial authorities have "put in place a system to exclude unlawful evidence and protect the legitimate

rights and interests of criminal suspects," the paper said.

In 2014, the Ministry of Public Security issued more explicit regulations concerning the scope of and interrogation recording requirements for cases subject to audio and video recording.

The paper also outlined measures to improve the conditions of prisons and detention houses and to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of detainees to address criticism over labour camps and poor conditions in jails.

The interrogation rooms of public security organs and detention houses are all equipped with audio and video recording facilities to prevent misconduct in law enforcement such as extorting confessions by torture and obtaining evidence through illegal means.

North's Red Cross had visited parts of the floodstricken region last week to assess needs.

It said aid agencies had released material from stockpiles in the North such as food, shelter and kitchen kits and water purification and health supplies.

The North Korean Government was working urgently to re-open roads and was distributing relief goods and building materials.

The priority was to rebuild 20,000 homes by early October before the bitter Korean winter sets in.

Saudi Air Defense Shoots Down Missile Fired From Yemen Saudi Arabia, Sept 12: The Saudi-led military coalition in Yemen says Saudi air defense forces have shot down a ballistic missile fired at the kingdom from Yemen.

A statement issued by the coalition says the missile targeted the southwestern city of Khamis Mushait but was intercepted before dawn on Monday. It says the coalition air force struck the missile's launching pad area.

No damage or casualties were reported.

The Saudi-led coalition backs Yemen's internationally recognized government of President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi against the country's Shiite rebels known Houthis and their allies, former President Ali Abdullah Saleh's loyalists.

The rebels, who control Yemen's capital, Sanaa, are known to have seized a stockpile of Soviet-era Scud missile.

Indian, Aus scientists' partner to develop salt-tolerant rice Sydney, Sept 12: A team of Australian researchers has partnered with an Indian research foundation in an effort to develop a variety of salt-tolerant rice, as part of a broader project to address the issue of food security. An agreement was signed between the University of Tasmania (UTAS) and M S Swaminathan Research Foundation in Chennai last week for a USD 2 mllion project supported by the Australia-India Strategic Research Fund.

They will conduct research on salt-tolerant rice varieties identified from wild species using biotechnology approaches in India and in Australia. Rice was one of the most important staple foods in the world, with 92 percent of all rice produced in Asia, said Holger Meinke, head of the university's School of Land and Food head.

Production in this region was increasingly impaired by seawater intrusion or saline water tables rendering vast areas of land unproductive and threatening the livelihood of many rice farmers. "Researchers from University of Tasmania, supported by Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture, will be using a variety of wild rice that is capable of growing in highly saline

A file Photo coastal areas to identify and transfer traits that confer its remarkable salinity-stress tolerance," Meinke said. "These traits will be transferred to traditional rice cultivars using a range of modern plantbreeding techniques to create a salt-tolerant rice variety which will be suitable for growing conditions in India and other saline environments around the world," Meinke added.

"The project will include exchange visits between India and Australia and is a great example of Tasmanian researchers forming international partnerships and sharing expertise to address issues of global significance," he said. The three-year project is being led by University of Tasmania Sergey Shabala who said the project is an important

effort to improve global food security as well as production efficiencies for Australian farmers.

"Rice is Australia's third largest cereal grain export, and the ninth largest agricultural export.

The industry generates around USD 800 million revenue per annum, with around USD 500 million of this coming from value-added exports," Shabala said. "The development of a salinitytolerant rice variety will help improve outcomes for Australian farmers

who are affected by transient salinity. This is the first step towards developing agricultural systems that are highly salttolerant. "The capabilities and technologies developed through this project have the potential to ultimately enhance the agricultural productivity for other major crops such as barley and wheat," Shabala said.

The University of Tasmania will also work closely with Zhonghua Chen from the University of Western Sydney.

"An agreement was signed between the University of Tasmania (UTAS) and M S Swaminathan Research Foundation in Chennai last week for a USD 2 mllion project supported by the AustraliaIndia Strategic Research Fund"

PAGE 9 EDUCATION Human Resources Industry: Current MAT September prospects, recent changes and skill gap Paper-based test in 2 days: Quick tips

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13

lWinning the war for tal-

The HR industry is fast gaining ground. They are no longer a small and slow department but crucial members in the major business decision making processes in various companies. Read on to know how and why the Human Resources industry has changed, the prospects in this field and what skills are necessary to be employed in HR now.

to evolve in many unexpected ways.

There are an incredible number of pressures on today's organisations. To name a few:

The HR industry is fast gaining ground. They are no longer a small and slow department but crucial members in the major business decision making processes in various companies.

lNew structures and hier- and developing employees

1. How has the HR industry changed within the past decade?

Anubhuti Dwivedi: Over the last few years, the role of Human Resource professionals has steadily evolved from being perceived as a slow bureaucratic personnel department to being seen as "human resources" that acknowledges the value of employees as an organisational resource.

This change has pushed HRs to become a strategic partner to business leaders, contributing to significant business decisions, advising on critical transitions, developing the value of the employees, creating an organisational culture - in short, they now have a seat at the table.

HR personnel today also handle the heavy burden of recruitment, payroll, training and development, retention, performance management and ensure a safe and healthy workplace environment to work in.

Candidates should pull up their socks as only two days are left for the preparations of the Management Aptitude Test (MAT) 2016.

l Rapid technological lUnderstanding the intri-

Candidates should pull up their socks as only two days are left for the preparations of the Management Aptitude Test (MAT) 2016. Admit cards for the same have been released on its official website, aima.in

lTougher competition

To know how to download, the candidates are advised to follow the steps listed below:

lIncreasing globalisation change

archies

retaining the rapidly changing worker profile cacies of workers' qualifications

lUnderstanding skill gaps

qGo to the official website

to match the requirement

qClick on the link, 'Download Admit Card for MAT September 2016'

lNew organisational alli- Dealing with the risks ances of a global operation the past, HR professionl New ways of assigning In als were asked to specialise Changes in employees' priorities, capabilities and demographic characteristics Within these and many such pressures, there is a need for, or we can say, there is an opportunity for the human resource function to play a critical role in helping organisations sail through these transitions.

In order to play this role, however, HR will have to and already is increasing its real and perceived value.

3. What is the role and what are the job responsibilities of an HR? AD: As the business world continues to evolve and discover new issues of importance, the role of HR is persistently changing. With the increased emphasis on employee engagement, organisations are recognising the importance of facilitating communication between their teams.

It's a given that HR professionals must stay on top of hiring and employment laws, which change frequently. People management is cited to be by far the most challenging skill for the function. To overcome the upcoming challenges, human resources professionals will have to track with greater detail every aspect of the processes.

in one area of this dominion, but today, the best HR people are generalists, people who have the skill to handle any area of human resources.

4. What are the skills that the HR industry requires in its employees?

AD: Consulting, relationship-building skills, business orientation, data crunching, ability to handle complexity, crisis management, adaptability, understanding technology, and strategic vision are skills that are needed now with the changing time.

ent

5. Why is the gap increasing between the demand and supply of skills when it comes to the HR industry?

AD: As the definition of work continues to advance, the variety of skills that employees need, have not essentially been provided by our traditional educational systems Transactional training in HR has not been embedded into our regular education system, without which, the employability in the domain becomes tough Business orientation and tactical skills along with strategic vision and the ability to handle complexity are the most difficult skills to find among executives Companies are struggling to employ those with the seemingly rare ability to guide them through a volatile and competitive external environment

lLowering labour costs

6. What are the future pros-

Some of the core responsibilities of the 2. Why has the HR indusHR are: try grown?

AD: With the wave of economic challenges that the globalisation has brought in the last few years, HR professionals have been forced

lAligning technology

lAdapting, engaging and

work

Media spoke to Anubhuti Dwivedi, Founder CEO of Sales Academy Pvt. Ltd, Learning Hub of TISS SVE, about how and why the Human Resources industry has changed, the prospects in this field and what skills are necessary to be employed in HR now.

ent

lHiring and retaining tal-

qEnter form number, date of birth and name qAfter submitting the same, the admit cards will appear on the screen qTake a printout pects after pursuing a course in HR? AD: The following job roles open up after a course in HR: lHiring / Recruitment Specialists lSocial Media Recruiters lCompensation and Benefits Specialists l Training and Development Specialists lEmployment, Recruitment and Placement Specialists lHuman Resources Management System (HRMS) Analysts lInternal Communication Specialists lRewards and recognition Specialists lOffice Administration Executive lLabour Law and Compliance Specialist l Human Resources Recruitment Analyst lTalent Search Team lCompliance Liaison Officer 7. What is TISS SVE doing in order to bridge the skill gap in the HR industry?

AD: lAfter thorough research and guidance from the experts of the industry, TISS SVE introduced multiple short term certification programmes and workshops, along with a oneyear post graduation diploma in Human Resource and Administration

l The whole objective of the programs is to enhance the tactical skills of the students and the existing workforce, required for the HR domain

lThe USP of the TISS SVE

Post Graduation Diploma is that every student, as part of his curriculum, gets an opportunity to work with the corporates and organisation in the HR function lThis not only helps them understand the theoretical concepts of transactional HR but also gives them a practical outlook lTISS SVE students therefore are more hands-on and job ready once they are out in the employment market

Courses currently being offered: l PG Diploma in Human

Resource and Administration l Skill Enhancement programmes

l Recruitment Manage-

ment lPayroll Management lOffice Administration l Performance Management lTrain the Trainer lInstructional Designing Workshops lWorkshop on Talent Acquisition Using Social Media lWorkshop on Writing Instructional Design l Workshop on Competency Based Interviews l Workshop on Train the Trainer l Workshops on Performance Management System l Workshop on Office Management lWorkshop on Preventing Sexual Harassment At Workplace

A career in telecommunications: Why is it a good time to work in telecom?

The very fact that almost everybody owns a mobile phone now, along with the on-going digitisation of India, should give you the main reason as to why this is one of the best times to work in the telecom industry.

The telecommunications industry is made up of all telephone and internet service providers, which play a big role in improving our mobile communication. It covers everything from voice calls, texting, email, to images and video streaming. The rising growth of this field comes with the demand of skilled employees to facilitate this growth in the best possible manner.

Mdia spoke to Santanu Bhattacharya, Vertical Anchor, Telecom, TISS SVE, on the growth of the telecommunications industry, job roles in demand now and employable skills.

Describe the state of the telecommunications industry and its growth process in India.

Santanu Bhattacharya: In the last two decades, the telecom industry in India has seen phenomenal growth. Between FY 07-16* India's telephone subscriber base expanded at a Com-

pound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 19.5 per cent to 1,022.61 million and teledensity to 80.98 (ref. http://www.ibef.org).

supply

Positions and job roles in the telecommunications About the growth industry: pattern: " This growth attributes to the penetration of mobile phones and services as well as internet (broadband) connectivity and services " This growth pattern and rate is poised to continue during the next couple of decades because of growth in smart phone sales, 3G and 4G services and rural penetration of telecom services " Telecommunications happens to be an industry where technology changes very rapidly making obsolete the older technologies which cannot provide new and essential as well as lifestyle type services (e.g. use of WhatsApp, banking services, mobile phone as a camera, etc.) " Consequently, the demand for skilled resources in every segment of the telecom industry has been and will continue to be much higher than what the current education or skill development system can

SB: The job market in telecom industry can be divided to be in the functional areas and corresponding job roles or positions listed below. Each of these job roles requires specific skills to perform the functional activities: Network Management Functional Area: Base Station Service Engineer, Core Network Engineer, Field Maintenance Engineer, Transmission Engineer, Optical Fibre Technician, Broadband Installation Engineer, Network Management Engineer, ICT Technician, Network Security Technician Sales and Services Functional Area: Field Sales Executive, Customer Care Executive, Customer Relationship Executive, In-Store Promoter, Territory Sales Manager (Broadband), Territory Sales Manager (Mobile), Mobile Repair Technician, Repair Centre Customer Care Executive, Distributor Sales Representative

Applications Development Functional Area: Mobile Applications Developer, Games Developer, Handset Software Developer, Embedded Hardware Developer, Network Software Developer Passive Infrastructure Related Functional Area: Tower Technician, Cluster In-charge, Cluster Manager, Broadband Technician, Radio Frequency Engineer, Tower Bay Installation Supervisor Each of the above stated job roles are in high demand across the country.

ative competence Infrastructure segment profiles would hire even school drop outs with high degree of job specific skills All job roles require a high level of soft skills, work place/environment orientation, work place safety and hygiene, adequate written and oral communication skills in a local language, knowledge of Hindi, and some proficiency in English

Skill gaps in telecom industry and how to bridge E d u c a t i o n a l it: qualifications reSB: quired: SB: The engineering and technician job roles require a 4year degree in engineering or a polytechnic/ITI background with specific skills training The sales and service jobs usually would require minimum of class 10 pass with specific skills training Application and software development requirements may range from engineers to even drop outs with cre-

Skills gaps are being seen in India in soft skills and computer usage across all functional areas and job roles Short term skill training in specific job roles is the way to meet the demand at any point in time A BVoc degree and one or two-year diploma programmes in specific functional areas along with adequate soft skill training are long term solutions

5 quick tips: ØDo not start with a new

topic at this moment, concentrate on the ones that you have already covered

ØStart revising and make notes of important topics ØBefore writing the exam, the candidates are advised to read the instructions carefully

Ø Leave the question if you're not sure about Ø Stay positive and eat healthy!

About the exam: The exam will consist of 200 objective type questions based on Language Comprehension, Mathematical Skills, Data Analysis and Sufficiency, Intelligence and Critical Reasoning and Indian and Global Environment

It will be conducted at Visakhapatnam, Guwahati, Jorhat, Patna, Chandigarh, Raipur, Delhi (Ncr), Ahmedabad, Gurgaon, Shimla, Jammu, Jamshedpur, Ranchi, Benagluru, Mangalore, Ernakulam, Thiruvananthapuram, Bhopal, Indore, Mumbai, Nagpur, Pune, Bhubaneswar, Jaipur, Chennai, Coimabatore, Hyderabad, Allahabad, Bareilly, Kanpur, Lucknow, Meerut, Dehradun, Harirwad, Durgapur and Kolkata.

It is a standardised test and is being administered since 1988 to facilitate Business Schools (B-Schools) to screen candidates for admission to MBA and allied programmes.

Studying abroad: 5 reasons why Indian students get deported Recently, news broke that the UK government had shut down 32 fake universities and was investigating 30 more. Earlier, in June, a report said that Western Kentucky University (WKU), a genuine university in the US, forced 25 Indian first-year students of computer science to leave, because they did not meet admission requirements.

Several months ago, Air India offloaded 19 students from a flight in Hyderabad, as they were headed to US universities that were under suspicion.

Unfortunately, such cases are becoming increasingly common. Regardless of whether the perpetrator of fraud is a fake university or an unscrupulous recruitment agent, the students involved pay a heavy price.

Deportation is a permanent blot on your record, and could irreparably damage your chances of getting into another school, and of getting any visa in the future.

The best person to protect you from fraud is yourself.

If you're planning to study abroad, be sure to avoid these five common mistakes that could lead to serious trouble: 1. Letting someone else steer your application process That someone else could be a recruitment agent. He may recommend a university based on his understanding of your concerns, but may not know much about your chosen field of study. If you're lucky, he will be competent and will recommend a school that

matches your academic and career goals. But what if he's not the brightest crayon in the box? And if he's unscrupulous, he may simply recommend whatever school real or fake - pays him to recruit you. So don't be passive - consult others but make your own decisions.

up for deportation. Remember that college officials who review thousands of applications every year have plenty of experience in smelling a rat, and if you're lucky you will only be denied admission. It's possible that you may end up paying a heavier price.

2. Not understand4. Fudging your credentials (or letting an ing the basics It's a human tendency to avoid things that seem tedious or daunting, such as putting together a university application package, researching scholarships, or applying for a visa. But the better you understand how these processes work, the more you can make of the advice you get. It is easier and cheaper than ever to find reliable information - for example, through college search engines and education services offered through various countries' diplomatic missions. Use such unbiased sources to learn about university accreditation, the admissions process, funding, visas, degree programs, and so on.

3. Relying on a shady agent Don't fall into the trap of thinking the end justifies the means. An agent may walk you through the application and visa process. But if you haven't understood the basics, you may not detect if the agent is driven by something other than your goals.

If he promises things he is unauthorized to promise (admission, visa), or if he urges you to "tweak" your records to "improve" your chances, he is setting you

agent fudge them) You may scrape through the admissions process by misrepresenting your qualifications or skills, but as they say, you can't fool all the people all the time. In a higher education system that emphasises analytical skills and participation in classroom discussion (as opposed to cramming for exams), your peers and professors will notice if you are unprepared. If it's a recurring issue, you can be sure the university will take it seriously, as WKU did in the case above.

5. Having a goal other than studying If you want to go to another country to work, just look for work. Don't enroll in a shady university just to get a student visa so that you can go there and start looking for jobs. Criminal investigators and immigration officials are on to 'student visa mills', some of which recruit large numbers of fee-paying students from India. If you end up applying to a visa mill, you'd be fortunate to just be denied a student visa, because the other outcome could be deportation.

NATION

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13

PAGE 10

One More Terrorist Killed, Operation "PM doesn't visit farmers as his on in Poonch: Defence Spokesman suit may get dirty ", Rahul Gandhi Srinagar, Sept 12 : Three militants and a policeman were today killed and six others, including an police officer, were injured in twin encounters between security forces and four terrorists in Poonch town of Jammu and Kashmir.

The encounters between security forces and the militants, who were holed up in a house and another structure near the under-construction Mini Secretariat, erupted at around 7.30 AM and continued through the day.

"Three militants have been knocked down. The civilians, who were held hostage, have been safely evacuated. Operation is still on," Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Rajouri-Poonch range Johny Willian told PTI. A policeman Rajinder Kumar was killed in the in-

ing recovered.

"The cordon in the area will remain intact till tomorrow as operation is on," Rana added.

Earlier, state police chief Rajendera Kumar said, "Four militants are involved in the two encounters at two different locations."

A file photo cident.

Two Army jawans, two police jawans and a civilian were also injured.

One of the injured is Sub Inspector of Special Operation Group (SoG) Manzoor Hussain and another a civilian Tariq, police said, adding the injured have been hospitalised.

The authorities used

drones to track down the militants who had taken shelter inside a house where an elderly couple lived and another structure.

The couple was safely evacuated.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Jammu Zone Danish Rana said body of one of the militants has been recovered and others are be-

"They (militants) are in a house, where there is a civilian couple. Forces are retrieving them. We have to evacuate the civilians first," he said.

The encounters started when the militants started firing from near the Mini Secretariat building, which is under construction, close to Army's 93 Brigade headquarters, police said.

The attackers then barged into a house in Allah Pir locality and another structure near the Mini Secretariat.

Defence spokesman said a firefight between security

forces and terrorists erupted this early morning when a JKP patrol encountered terrorists on the fringes of border town of Poonch.

Army units deployed in the area immediately reacted with quick reaction teams, on receiving the information, the spokesman said, adding that after initial brief exchange of fire, the terrorists took shelter in an isolated house and under construction Mini Secretariat building.

"In initial exchange of fire, one police jawan was martyred and one received injuries. One civilian also got injured and has been evacuated to District Hospital, Poonch.

The encounter is continuing and the area has been cordoned.

"Efforts are on to neutralize holed up terrorists with minimum collateral damage," the spokesman said.(PTI)

Confirmed seat on demand by 2020: Minister of State for Railways Manoj Sinha New Delhi, Sept 12: Gearing up to provide confirmed seat on demand, railways is expanding its network to cater to the growing demand of passengers.

"We want to make network in such a way that people should get reservation on demand by 2020. It is not possible in a day," Minister of State for Railways Manoj Sinha said here today.

Currently, the waitlisted passengers' list is long as there is a wide gap between the availability of berths and number of passengers. Besides railways is facing heavy congestion in main trunk routes as 12,000 trains are run on 66,000 km route daily across the country.

Speaking on the sidelines of a function, Sinha said there is a huge gap between passenger requirement and the existing infrastructure.

"Railway traffic has increased 20 times since Independence and infrastructure has increased by 2.25 times. There is

Wanted Naxal killed in Jharkhand encounter Ranchi, Sept 12: Security forces have gunned down a top Maoist commander, carrying a reward of Rs 25 lakh, in an encounter in Jharkhand's Gumla.

Officials said a joint squad of the CRPF and state police killed Ashish Yadav, a member of the BiharJharkhand Special Area Committee (BJ-SAC), in the jungles of Boradih forests of the district on Sunday after a gunbattle.

They said Yadav had a reward of Rs 25 lakh on his head and was instrumental in launching many Naxal attacks on security forces in the two states.

"An INSAS rifle, a SLR and another high-calibre rifle have been seized after the operation. (PTI)

a big gap between passengers and infrastructure," he said.

crore from freight service in the current fiscal. Referring to the slump in the market, Sinha said, "Railway's revenue is directly linked to economy.

If economy slows down, the business of railways also slows down." He said power plants do not require coal these days and coal comprises major freight share in Railways which is about 64 per cent of total loadings.

"Allahabd-Mughal Sarai sector is where there was maximum congestion. There are 67 sectors in the country which face congestion and work has started to decongest them," Sinha said.

Highlighting the NDA government's focus on infrastructure development, the MoS Railways said, "Average investment in Indian Railways was Rs 48,000 crore before May 2014, which has been increased last year to Rs 1 lakh crore.

An investment plan worth Rs 8.5 lakh crore has been made (for the next five years)."

Defending the flexi-fare system in Premier service, he said, "Flexi plan has been implemented in 77 trains. Those who are effected from this scheme are less than 0.2 per cent. Railways expense per kilometer is around 70 paise and it is recovering 40 paise only."

He further said, "This is required for working of

A file photo. railways and I feel who are availing better facilities and who can afford to pay should pay for services. We have made no changes in general (jan sadharan) and Garib Rath trains."

been in practice since a long time."

Railways is losing about Rs 33,000 crore in passenger business in a year.

Sinha said there is a need for rationalisation of freight rates.

On freight sector, he said, "Continuous rise in freight fares has reached to a level where share of Indian Railways started reducing -- which is 6768 per cent income source for railways.

Cross subsidisation has

"We will rationalise this and we have reduced in many segments. We have removed various charges like congestion charge."

Railways aim to earn Rs 51,000 crore from passengers and Rs 1.10 lakh

On foodgrains, he said, "Earlier policy of FCI was to procure from every state, bring it to Delhi and then distribute to states. Northern Railway was dependent on this.

Government has decentralised it so that the procurement should take place at state headquarters for further distribution within state. Northern Railway is suffering due to this change of policy."

Azamgarh, Sept 12 : Rahul Gandhi today took an apparent dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his expensive monogrammed suit as he said that he does not visit the farmers as he fears that his suit might get dirty.

"He (Modi) does not go to the farmers so that his suit does not get dirty. He is a leader who loves to travel to the US and China," the Congress vice president said addressing a meeting here in poll-bound Uttar Pradesh.

The suit which Prime Minister Narendra Modi wore during his meeting with US President Barack Obama in Delhi last year was auctioned later and was bought for Rs 4.31 crore by (rpt) by Surat diamond baron and private airline owner Laljibhai Patel.

Earlier, Rahul, who addressed public meetings at various places here, attacked BSP and the ruling SP, saying while the "elephant" (election symbol of BSP) has eaten all the money, the "cycle" (poll symbol of SP) is standing "punctured" in the state.

"Haathi saara paisa kha gaya. Hathi ko apne maar ke bhaga diya (elephant--the election symbol of BSP--ate all the money and then you chased it out)," Gandhi said while addressing a public

Rahul Gandhi meeting on the sixth day of his yatra.

"Phir aap cycle (SP's election symbol) laaye. Ye paanch saal se phansi hui hai, hil nahi rahi hai. Uska tyre puncture hai aur apko ration card nahi dila pa rahi hai (Then you voted for SP's cycle which has been stranded for past five years.

It's tyre is punctured and is not moving. The party could not provide ration cards to you)," he said attacking SP. During his yatra, the Congress vice president had 'chai' (tea) and 'samosa' at a local shop and later paid visit to a Dalit family's home where he had lunch.

Petrol bomb attack on Hindu Munnani leader's house Coimbatore, Sept 12: A petrol bomb was hurled at the house of a Hindu Munnani leader by some miscreants in the wee hours today in neighbouring Tirupur, causing damage to the building, police said.

outfit has called for a Bandh in Tirupur tomorrow.

The Hindu Munnani along with Tirupur Industrial Protection Committee, of which Shanugham is a member, appealed to the traders and establishments to support to shutdown.

The attack was carried out on the house of Hindu Munnani's Tirupur treasurer, Shanmugam at around 2 AM. The portico of house suffered some damage in the incident, they said.

Protesting the attack, the

The attack comes a day after a similar incident on the house of a Hindu Munnani leader in Vellore district.

Three unexploded crude petrol bombs were reportedly found at a divisional functionary's house in Vellore yesterday.

On the proposed Humsafar service, Sinha said, "Humsafar train is almost ready. I think from next month Humsafar will start on DelhiGorakhpur section."

Kannada Organisations protest for Cauvery water

Bengaluru, Sept 12: Voicing concern over attacks on state vehicles and a hotel run by a native of Karnataka inTamil Nadu amid the ongoing Cauvery row, the state government today asked its counterpart to take steps for the safety of Kannadigasliving there and to protect their property.

Chief minister Siddaramaiah said he

would write to his Tamil Nadu counterpart Jayalalithaa to help cooperate in maintaining cordiality between the states, which are now locked in a bitter row over release of Cauvery water.

Siddaramaiah said he would also speak to Union home minister Rajnath Singh, if necessary, on the incidents targetting Kannadigas.

The state chief secretary and director general of

While seeking measures to protect the interests of Kannadigas in Tamil Nadu, it had been assured to Tamil Nadu that similarly, steps would be taken for the safety of Tamils in the state and also their property, he said.

Siddaramaiah also advised the media "not to glorify" certain incidents relating to "sensitive" issues and be restrained in reporting them. Karnataka home minister G Parameshwara said police forces had been deployed in areas where Tamils live in large numbers in Bengaluru and elsewhere in Karnataka.

"We have taken precautions."

He appealed to people of

both the states not to resort to violence.

The state DGP had conveyed to his Tamil Nadu counterpart that safety of Kannadigas be ensured while "equally, we will also ensure that Tamils are safe in Karnataka," he said.

Asked about a Tamil engineering student being beaten up allegedly by a group of people here for posting 'derogatory' remarks against some Kannada actors and against the Cauvery agitation, with a video capturing the incident going viral, he said it was a "small incident".

Parameshwara said the police tried to contact the student but he was not available, adding, "small incidents should not be blown out of proportion."

Suspected pro-Tamil protesters today attacked and damaged a hotel run by a native of Karnataka in Chennai, damaging its window panes using iron rods and wooden logs.

The Gandhi scion, who is on his 2500 km 'Deoria to Dilli yatra' to connect with the masses in the run-up to the 2017 state Assembly polls, resumed his yatra from Azamgarh and after holding series of meeting in Mau he will reach Ghazipur.

Azamgarh is parliamentary constituency of SP supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav.(PTI)

3 impersonators arrested in Udhampur Udhampur (J&K) Sept 12: Three persons who were allegedly demanding money from truck drivers impersonating as the officials from the state Transport Department were arrested today from the Kud town in the district, police said.

"Rattandeep Singh, Amarjeet Singh and Vijay Singh were arrested for impersonating as the Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO) and his staff members, and demanding money from truck drivers on the JammuSrinagar national highway," a police official said.

The impersonators were arrested from the spot after getting information, he said, adding the three were booked for Fraud and cheating.

Cabinet clears BSF cadre restructuring; 74 new posts created

Cauvery row: Karna govt asks TN to ensure safety of Kannadigas police had spoken to their Tamil Nadu counterparts and asked them to ensure stern action against the culprits and that such incidents did not recur, Siddaramaiah told reporters here.

Appealing to people to vote for Congress in the upcoming elections, Rahul said, "Now you should think about the hand (Congress's election symbol) and then see what we do about ration (cards) and farmers," he said.

BSF personnel patrolling the border. A file photo

New Delhi, Sept12: The Union Cabinet today approved the much-delayed cadre Restructuring for the officers of the Border Security Force (BSF) leading to creation of 74 posts, an exercise aimed at enhancing operational and administrative capabilities of the force.

A government statement said the Cabinet, headed

by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has "approved the cadre review of group 'A' Executive officers of BSF with net creation of 74 posts of various ranks from Assistant Commandant to Additional Director General ranks to enhance the operational and administrative capabilities of BSF." The last time such an exercise was carried out was in 1990 and after it got delayed for a number of years, a group of officers

of the country's largest border guarding force last year moved the Delhi High Court, which directed the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) to complete the activity within a month's time.

The restructuring will lead to the creation of a maximum of 370 posts in the ranks of Deputy Inspector General (DIG), Commandant and Second-inCommand followed by 330 in Deputy Commandant rank, 19 in Inspector General, 14 in Assistant Commandant and one post will be created in the Additional DG rank.

Cadre restructuring is conducted in an organisation to better place the workforce in keeping with the changing scenario over a period of time and is aimed at enhancing the morale of the men and women employees.

It also helps in getting better work productivity from them in the interest of the department.

However, officials said the latest policy decision will not fully ease the issue of stagnation as few posts under the restructuring will be reserved for officers of the Indian Police Service (IPS), who come on deputation to the over 2.57-lakh personnel strong border guarding force with 186 battalions at present.

The exercise for the creation of the new posts has been "cost neutral" as almost 330 posts have been abolished or surrendered by the BSF in lieu of getting the new 74 posts.

"While this much-delayed exercise will not bring completely ease stagnation and promotion issues, it being implemented after so many years is surely a positive step," a senior official said.

Apart from being the 'first line of defence' along Pakistan and Bangladesh borders, the BSF, under the command of the Union Home Ministry, is extensively deployed to conduct anti-Naxal operations in Left Wing Extremist-hit states of Chhattisgarh and Odisha and also renders a variety of internal security tasks.

About 90 per cent of the BSF work force is deployed for border guarding tasks and operations in the LWE theatres of the country.

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13

AGRICULTURE

PAGE 11

Future of agriculture in India: Is the nation ready?

The farmers' crisis arising out of two consecutive years of deficit monsoon has put a lot of focus on the state of Indian agriculture and its future readiness recently. The normally urban tinted media has also for once turned its attention to the problems afflicting India's agriculture sector, and distress of farmers who are disproportionately dependent for their livelihood on nature's benevolence.

The rising food prices over the past two years and the cascading effect on the entire economy of a slowing agriculture sector has shown us evidently that India cannot dream about a two digit growth rate unless the shackled rural economy is freed and its engine speeded up. The Union Budget of 2016-17 appropriately took cognisance of the fact that the closely intertwined farm sector and rural economy need more than piecemeal benefits to sustain the large population dependent on this sector.

The prediction of a healthy monsoon from the weatherman has also brought much relief. However, we need much more than budget allocations and good rainfall to make agriculture sustainable in the long run. We need a broader vision and long term policy approaches.

This brings us to the crucial question on what lies ahead for the future of Indian agriculture and are we ready to make it a

gaged in agriculture. This results in under-employment, and low per capital returns. Unfortunately, diversification of the rural economy towards non-farm activities has been very slow due to low education and skill levels, especially among the rural women.

bright one?

Some facts and figures first Despite supporting almost 60 percent of India's total population, the contribution of agriculture to the GDP has been consistently declining. It currently stands at around 15 percent. A sector that provides work to more than half of the country's population contributing less than 1/5th to its GDP indicates a clear imbalance. While India grew by over 7 percent per cent last year, agriculture remained more or less stagnant. India's foodgrain production which has consistently been abundant over the past several years is showing signs of plateauing, suggesting saturation.

These statistics point to the need for a major reshuffle in the rural economy. It clearly indicates that an unsustainably excessive part of the population is dependent on one sector and that we need to wean away labour out of agriculture to other sectors. The prevailing situation also calls for a need for major policy measures to boost the rural economy and create new infrastructure for the farm sector.

With a considerable budget allocation of Rs 35,984 crore, the government proposes to address several basic issues riling the rural sector including building new irrigation facilities, installing projects for ground water restoration, conserva-

Increasing produce per hectare With a population that is expected to continue to rise till 2050, India needs to keep up its food production. Unfortunately, the land area available to agriculture is not expected to increase. Despite increasing foodgrain production over the years, statistics show that per capital foodgrain availability in India has been declining. This brings us to the all-important question of the need to increase productivity of agriculture and yields per hectare.

Lack of availability of high-yield varieties, water shortage resulting in less than sufficient irrigation, absence of local R&D to improve yields and low per hectare usage of agro-

According to Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), India's crop yield per hectare remains much lower than the global average. With around 2.4 tonnes of rice produce per hectare, India ranks much lower than even other BRICS nations in terms of productivity.

chemicals are among the reasons for India's low agro productivity. Addressing these factors is a major task at hand if we have to keep agriculture sustainable in the long run.

tion of soil fertility and doubling farmers' income by 2022. But are these measures enough?

the important measures needed to make Indian agriculture future ready:

Given below are some of

Diversification of rural economy

Increased rice production with less fertilizer

Small-scale resourcepoor farmers in developing countries cannot afford expensive agrochemicals such as fertilisers. Conventional methods of N-fertiliser use are highly inefficient and there are no appropriate integrated technologies. Taking a holistic approach and working with national agricultural research systems (NARS) and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in four districts of Maharashtra State, India, we developed an Integrated Nutrient Management System (INMS).

INMS can be defined as a crop cultivation system that integrates efficient use of soil and applied organic nutrients with appropriately modified agronomic and pest management practices to increase and sustain crop productivity while protecting the environment over a long time.

An agrotechnology based on an INMS has been developed essentially for smallscale resource-poor rice farmers of the warm subhumid to humid tropical region on the west coast of India. The system however is flexible with minor changes to suit the local agroclimatic conditions of a region and socioeconomic

constraints of farmers and with field testing for one to two seasons it can be used in other similar ecoregions.

The agrotechnology is based on the use of low-cost on-farm resources as well as efficient use of N- and Pfertilisers at substantially reduced level.

Nutrient recycling Rice needs an adequate supply of silicon for healthy growth. Farmers can use blackish-grey rice hull ash as a source of silicon for rice. It is applied to the seedbed (0.5 kg/m2) before sowing of rice seeds. The seeds treated with rice hull ash are healthier than untreated ones, and their use can reduce the incidence of stem borer and leaf blast at seedling stage. This practice has two practical implications.

First, the use of rice hull ash could provide an incentive for using rice hull-fired stoves for domestic cooking. The use of such stoves would benefit farm women by decreasing the need to collect firewood and it would also help to save existing forests in rice-growing regions. Second, by decreasing the incidence of stem borer and leaf blast without the use of chemical pesticides this practice would be also help to pro-

tect the environment.

The limited green manuring practice can be affordable because it eliminates the need for expensive seed input every year. It does not require crop land and does not interfere with the main cropping season. Further the limited amount (2t/ha) requires proportionately less labour for spreading and incorporation. Growing perennial trees offers other agroforestry benefits such as providing some proteinrich green fodder supplement for cattle and some firewood as well as promoting soil conservation especially in humid ecological regions.

Small rice farmers need not buy expensive potassic fertiliser. Instead they can basally incorporate limited rice straw (2t/ha) as a source of K for a balanced NPK supply and also to recycle plant silica. The limited amount is suggested because farmers also use rice straw for other purposes, such as for cattlefeed and in making houseroofs. The use of limited rice straw has no adverse effect on the crop growth. By using smaller quantities, it is possible to reduce proportionately the labour required for spreading and to minimize CH4 The primary objective of emission. Moreover, use of limited rice straw will also limited green manuring is promote biological nitrogen not to provide a substitute for applied N but to effecfixation in the soil. tively complement deep Gliricidia leaf manuring point placement of urea (the The use of organic manur- practice described elseing integrated with applica- where in this article). This tion of fertilisers is essential complementary effect is imfor any sustainable crop portant for ensuring the efproduction system. Farmers ficiency of the deep-place can use an old agroforestry urea-N. The use of limited approach of growing green manure every year Gliricidia (biological nitro- can help build up soil progen fixing trees) on bunds ductivity over a long time. or hedges nearby non-cultivable land and within 2-3 Bamboo transyears after planting trees planting guide using green leaf biomass for green manuring at the rate Unless small farmers of 2-3 t/ha. maintain optimum plant

As discussed above our rural economy is excessively dependent on agriculture for its livelihood. In fact more than 65 percent of the total rural population is enpopulation and use fertilisers efficiently they will not receive adequate benefits simply by using high-yielding varieties (HYVs). Farmers were using a long piece of bamboo for line transplanting. We modified the farmer's marking on the bamboo used and introduced transplanting of two lines simultaneously.

This inexpensive bamboo guide is so simple to construct that in a farm demonstration a Filipino farmer fabricated it in less than one hour on his own farm. Also, it is simple to use.

During the IFDC/NGO demonstration trials conducted in 1993 on 26 tribal rice farmers' fields, it was observed that more than 50% of the participating farmers preferred to transplant in line using the bamboo guide over the use of the conventional line transplanting method (Daftardar and Savant, 1995). Without hiring additional labour a small farmer having two or three family members can transplant in line to achieve the optimum plant population required

by HYV and the modified spacing (geometry) required for efficient use of NP-fertilisers.

Using the bamboo guide

What we need is a dedicated policy push to create alternate avenues of employment and work in rural areas. This calls for major skill development programs in rural areas which can push a section of the population towards non-farm activities and reduce overcrowding of the agriculture sector. Alternative income avenues to create jobs outside agriculture in rural areas include a policy push to help develop the retail sector, improve education, boost rural entrepreneurship, develop tourism, cottage and handicraft industries, horticulture, fisheries and create better connectivity with urban centres and infrastructure to make business ideas viable.

Greater penetration of crop protection measures Despite being the fourth largest producer of agrochemicals globally, after the US, Japan and China, the usage of agrochemicals in India stands is actually very low, in fact, the one of the lowest in the world at just offers farmers other benefits. The transplanting guide method integrated with efficient NP management can decrease expensive seed input as much as 60% (Daftardar and Savant, 1995). Seed saving can lower seedling requirements (up to 36%) and thus translate into substantial saving in other inputs required for seedling preparation uprooting and even transplanting.

The additional labour required for the line transplanting with the guide decreases with more practice.

Women farmers seem to adapt easily to using the guide. Special training for women farmers should enhance its use.

Solving constraints In spite of the demonstrated agronomic merit of deep point placement of urea as urea briquettes (UB) it has not benefited small farmers. Through collaborative field research, we reasonably resolved the following two constraints that were hindering its use by rice farmers: u The non-availability of proper UB material - a profitable small-scale fertiliser briquetter was developed

0.58 kg per hectare against 4.5 kg per hectare in the US and 10.8 kg per hectare in Japan. The world's average consumption is 3 kg per hectare. This shows there is a clearly large scope of growth in usage and demand. With limited availability of fertile land to cultivate food and feed an ever growing population, the only alternative we have is to increase productivity per hectare.

A study supported by industry body Assocham said that Indian farmers lose crop worth Rs 50,000 crore annually due to pest and disease infestation. The findings indicate a massive lack of awareness among farmers about crop protection measures, that if adopted can save huge crop losses.

We need to achieve greater penetration of usage of agrochemicals such as insecticidesand pesticides to reduce crop losses and increase productivity per hectare.

Reducing dependence on monsoon Making the agriculture sector less dependent on rainfall by diversifying sources of irrigation has been an area long discussed by experts. To combat the persisting problem of lack of irrigation facilities to make up for the unpredictable rainfall, the government has introduced the decision to increase the area under irrigation by 28.5 lakh hectares for producing UB or UB fortified with P as diammonium phosphate (U B-DAP) at the village level.

This production scheme can effectively provide UB fertiliser to farmers in a given region and create a few rural jobs. u An additional labour requirement (8 - 10 workdays/ha) for the UB placement by hand. We developed the bamboo guide for line transplanting with modified 20 x 20 cm spacing and 25 hills/m2. The modified spacing provides traffic lanes (a non-cash input) that allow U B placement immediately after transplanting (Figure 2) and the puddled soft soil condition offers minimum resistance to inserting UB, thus making the placement easier for the workers.

More important the use of modified spacings helps to increase the speed of placement and thereby reduces the additional labour requirement as much as 50% (Daftardar and Savant.

1995).

The improved NP management practice can be summarised as "one single deep placement of the correct weight UB or UB-DAP by hand at 7-10 cm soil depth (one briquette/4 hills)

and set aside Rs 20,000 crore for a new irrigation fund. Additionally, it has committed to Rs 6000 crore for recharging the groundwater, with special emphasis on drought hit areas.

Now, it is to be seen how these funds are utilised towards achieving the desired objective. There have to be sustained efforts to improve groundwater levels through measures such as rainwater harvesting, discouraging deforestation, and developing artificial sources of irrigation.

Moving people out of agriculture Reducing the rural population's dependence on agriculture has to be a prime development target for the government over the next 20 years. This does not mean giving any less importance to agriculture; rather it means reducing under-employment on the farm and building alternative jobs outside the farm sector to wean away excess people to other sectors. This can be done by strategically encouraging establishment of industries near rural areas that can provide viable employment, improving education in rural areas, providing vocational and skill training to the rural population and creating positive opportunities in nearby urban centres to encourage positive migration, as against distress migration. immediately after transplanting with the modified 20 x20 cm spacing. The results of the collaborative trials conducted during 199093 on farmers' fields clearly demonstrate that the management is adoptable and has the following main benefits: uIt is simple and practical. Field experience indicates that more women labour is needed because they are mainly involved in transplanting and UB placement. uIt is agronomically efficient and less risky. It has the potential to substantially increase grain and straw yields (see Table 1). uIt is economically attractive. Rice farmers using this management can expect gross profit of five times (or more) the additional cost of extra labour required and fertiliser used. The savings in seed inputs and seedling preparation make it more attractive. uIt is environmentally friendly. lt has the potential to virtually eliminate runoff and ammonia losses, thus protecting the environment.

Secondly it has the potential to substantially increase yield levels up to 4,500 kg/ ha at 40% less fertiliser use.

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DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13

PAGE 12

2nd Thansen Wangchadong Memorial Football Tournament 2016, Tirap

Thinsa FC beat Boachim, Noglo win

Thinsa FC edged past Boachim FC in a crucial match.Pic - Dr. Chanwang Mongchan ET Correspondent Khonsa, Sept12: Thinsa Football Club & Noglo Football Club registered victory in the respective matches of the league encounter of the 2nd Thansen Wangchandong memorial Football tournament

2016 organized by W.Lowangdong and family in collaboration with Tirap district administration at Nehru Stadium in Khonsa here today.

In the first match, Thinsa Football Club de-

feated Boachim Football Club 5-3. Thinsa FC opened their account through Singat Anyiam in the 14th minute.

Singat received a pass from the left flank and found the back of the net with ease. Wasm Kakho scored the sec-

ond goal in the 25th minute. Chinmye collected a pass from the Singat from the midfield and scored the third goal for his team in the 27th minute.

Bomwang Lowang converted a pass from right

flank from his teammates in the 34th minute and scored the goal for Boachim FC Thinsa player Chinmye came strongly from the midfield and strike the fourth goal for his team in the 40thminute. At post lemon break Tinsa FC led 4-1.

Khunlam Lamma scored the fifth salvo for Tinsa FC in the 55th minute. Kamba Batoy of Bochim FC netted the goal in the 58th minute.

In another match, Noglo Football Club beat Longo Football Club 6-2. Wanggol Wangsa of Longo FC opened the floodgates for his team by collecting a pass from the right flank and netted the goal in the 4thminute.

Sumchu Nokbi equal-

Players in action during the match.Pic - Dr. Chanwang Mongchan ized the score in the 9th minute converted a pass from left flank.

Kamsom Teppa scored the second goal in the 27th minute. Kamsom scored his second goal

Rohit, Dhawan retained as selectors keep faith with old hands Mumbai, Sept 12:Underperforming batsmen Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan retained their place in India's 15-member cricket squad for the three-Test home series against New Zealand as the selectors today kept faith in the side that beat West Indies recently.

All-rounder Stuart Binny and pacer Shardul Thakur were overlooked from the squad which was pruned to 15 from the 17 that defeated West Indies 2-0 last month in an away series. The Test rubber against New Zealand starts September 22 in Kanpur.

"We have stuck to the combination which has done very well. We were of the opinion that this was the best possible combination for New Zealand," chief selector Sandeep Patil told reporters after chairing the final meeting of the current selection committee.

Defending the selection of Rohit, whose Test record is well below par after 18 games, Patil said the Mumbaibatsman has not been given a consistent run in the longest form of the game.

Rohit's form was expected

to be a major talking point "We have tremendous faith today given that in the se- in all 15 but we are not fories against West Indies, he cusing only on 15. There are mustered only 9 and 41 from others too as bench two innings in the third strength," added the former Test at Gros Islet, the Mumbai and India only time he got a batsman. chance to play in the The squad for New series.

Zealand features He also did not do three openers and well in the first innings asked who would be of the ongoing Duleep the preferred Trophy final in among M Greater Noida afVi j a y, ter being speDhawan cifically inand cluded in one KL of the teams -- India Blue -- following his return f r o m t h e We s t Indies and the USA. Rahul, "Rohit is a Patil said fabulous it was player, with upto the immense talent. He team manhasn't got a long run agement Shikhar Dhawan in Test cricket as he to decide has been picked for on the one Test and then playing 11. dropped. The selec"The playtion committee, along with ing eleven will be decided by captain (Virat Kohli) and captain and coach dependcoach (Anil Kumble) said ing on the conditions. We they will give ample oppor- want him (Dhawan) to come tunities to anyone who is good, not only Shikhar but picked," Patil said. all the 15 we have selected,"

he said.

He also sounded pleased with the progress of Karnataka youngs t e r Rahul.

"We are happy with the way KL Rahul has fitted into the seniors team," he said.

Senior opener Gautam Gambhir was notably ignored by the selectors despite f o u r back-toback half centuries in the ongoi n g Duleep Trophy.

Instead, the committee persisted with Shikhar Dhawan, whose place in the side has been questioned along w i t h Rohit.

"It's not that we didn't discuss other names, including Gautam Gambhir and other seniors, but we stuck to the combination which did well abroad. We were all of the opinion that the best team should play."

"We want him (Dhawan) to come good, not only him, we want all 15 to perform. We

Kumble the seniors," said Patil at the press conference after picking a 15-member India squad for the upcoming threeTest home series against New Zealand.

Patil also said that he was very happy to state that no outside interference was there in selection matters during his tenure.

"In our four-year term not a single BCCI official of any zone approached the selection committee for any recommendation," he remarked.

"We also leave at a time when there is big pool of players to choose from, in all formats," he said.

Patil picked up the squad for home series in the presence of fellow selectors Saba Karim and Vikram Rathour, while Gagan Khoda and MSK Prasad joined in from Australia via video conference.

The former India batsman further said the team would do well against the touring

Virat Kohli (Capt), K L Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, M Vijay, Rohit Sharma, R Ashwin, Wriddhiman Saha, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Shikhar Dhawan, Amit Mishra, Umesh Yadav. have faith in all 15," was Patil's response when asked why Dhawan was retained.

The squad to be led by Virat Kohli has six specialist batsmen with Wriddhiman Saha as the wicketkeeper. The opening slot would be taken

by Dhawan and Murali Vijay, while the middle order features Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, K L Rahul, and Cheteshwar Pujara along with Rohit.

Ravindra Jadeja is the lone all-rounder in the squad. In the bowling department, Mohammed Shami and Ishant Sharma will spearhead the pace attack, while Amit Mishra and R Ashwin held on to the two slots for spinners.

press conference, said the new selection panel would be picked after a thorough search.

"We want to give everyone a chance to apply for selector's post rather than choose someone on our own and that's why we have called for applications (for interview)," Shirke said.

Indian selection committee headed by Sandeep Patil picked the last Indian cricket squad of its tenure.

New Zealand side.

"We have always done well at home and I am sure we will do well against New Zealand.

Hope we also do well outside India," he said.

Patil skirted the question on whether Sachin Tendulkar was told in advance to call it a day before the hurriedly ar-

ranged three-Test series against the West Indies in 2013.

"There are some matters between the selectors and BCCI which should remain confidential and cannot be revealed," said Patil.

BCCI secretary Ajay Shirke, who was also present in the

Pandan Wangsu of Longo FC scored the second goal for his team in the 52nd minute. Sumchu Nekbi

scored the fourth goal in the 5 5th minute.

Kamson scored his third salvo in the 57th minute. Tehon Homtok scored the final goal in the 71st minute.

"Sakshi Malik entered the top-five in the latest United World Wrestling rankings, rising to a career-best 4th position in women's 58kg category".

India Test squad

It is sad that you end up losing friends as a selector, says Sandeep Patil Mumbai , Sept 12: "The only sad thing about being a selector is that you end up losing some of your friends," said Sandeep Patil after the selection panel, headed by him, picked the last Indian cricket squad of its tenure .

Patil, who was appointed the chairman of selectors following the sacking of Mohinder Amarnath in September 2012, said he ends his term as a happy man.

"We have taken some bold and tough decisions looking at the future of Indian cricket. We are very happy at the end of our term that the team is doing well in all three formats and I wish the next committee all the best.

"Also, a big thank you to the BCCI for providing the opportunity. The Board has taken some great decisions during my time. We are happy with the roadmap the BCCI has drawn with Rahul Dravid taking over as coach of the juniors and Anil

in the 47th minute.

Shirke said an age cap of 60 has been kept to ensure that candidates who apply have the experience of playing in all three formats of the game.

"The 70 years cap is for administrators (recommended

by Lodha panel and upheld

by Supreme Court). The 60 years cap we have kept is for selectors keeping in mind that those in 60 to 65 year bracket as an example would not have played all three formats of game. They might have played limited ODIs but no T20s," he explained.

Sakshi Malik, who became the first Indian woman wrestler to win an olympic medal, claimed the position in the latest list

Sakshi Malik enters top-5 in World wrestling rankings New Delhi, Sept 12: Riding on her bronze medal finish at the Rio Olympic Games, Sakshi Malik entered the top-five in the latest UWW (United World Wrestling) rankings, rising to a career-best 4th position in women's 58kg category.

Previously unranked, Sakshi, who became the first Indian woman wres-

tler to win an olympic medal, claimed the position in the latest list.

egory, Sandeep Tomar and Bajrang Punia were the only Indians to make it to the top-20 list.

Another Indian woman wrestler - Vinesh Phogat - who made an exit in the quarterfinals after a knee injury during the Olympics, climbed up two places to 11th position in the 48kg category.

In the men's freestyle cat-

Sandeep, who bowed out of the Olympics after losing his bout in the initial round, is currently placed at 15th position in the 57kg category, while Bajrang is ranked 18th in 61kg weight division.

American women sweep in triathlon's Paralympic debut Rio De Janeiro, Sept 12: Before racing in the women's Paralympic triathlon Sunday, U.S. athletes Allysa Seely, Hailey Danisewicz and Melissa Stockwell talked about it being the 15th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. They had hopes of hearing the U.S. national anthem from the podium.

have a really great spirit and that whatever setbacks, challenges, obstacles come our way, (we) can rise from the fire."

Stockwell lost her leg to a roadside bomb in Iraq in 2004, becoming the first female American soldier to lose a limb in active combat. On Sunday, she finished third in 1:25:24.

They all did, after sweeping the medals in the PT2 class in triathlon's Paralympic debut. Grace Norman also won gold in the women's PT4 class.

"It's a great day for America," said Danisewicz, who won silver, finishing 48 seconds behind Seely's winning time of 1 hour, 22 minutes and 55 seconds. "On some very, very small level, it proves that Americans

"When it got really tough out there I thought of those that gave the ultimate sacrifice and didn't make it back," Stockwell said. "They pushed me to the finish - just wanting to give my thanks to them."

Seely and Danisewicz, both first-time Paralympians, greeted Stockwell at the finish line, waving an American flag as the teammates collapsed into an embrace.

Stockwell, a three-time paratriathlon world champion considered a favorite to win this event, had no complaints about her bronze performance. She competed in swimming in the 2008 Paralympics but did not medal.

"Everything was worth it," she said Sunday, draped with an American flag. "I would not go back for one second, for one minute.

This is the culmination of everything."

This story has been corrected to show that the first name of Danisewicz is spelled Hailey, not Haley.

Emily Greenwood is a journalism student at the University of Georgia.

Penn State and Georgia are partnering with The Associated Press to supplement coverage of the 2016 Paralympics.

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