December 5, 2018

Page 1

Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXIX No. 3

DIMAPUR, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2018 Pages 12 ` 5.0

‘ITR filing up 50% this year’

We have plans for all Indian batsmen: Marsh

It’s time for Pak to get on board with peace process in South Asia: US

business, Page 8

sports, Page 11

international, Page 9

100% Central fund for projects in NE

Spl. Correspondent/Agencies

NEW DELHI/GUWAHATI, DEC 4 (NPN): The Central government has decided to make 100% funding for central projects in North East India, a step aimed at addressing the financing concerns of projects in the region. Earlier, such projects were funded on a 90:10 pattern— 90% from the Centre and 10% from state. “But our government has taken a cabinet decision for making all centrally funded projects for Northeast India as 100% centrally funded,” Union minister of state for DoNER, Dr. Jitendra Singh said while addressing the meeting of “NITI Aayog Forum for Northeast” in Guwahati Tuesday. Many of the states were delaying submission of utilisation certificates (UCs) and the DoNER ministry is trying to overcome that, he said. “Projects are being monitored on a real-time basis. Geo-tagged photos of different projects are uploaded on the DoNER (Ministry for Development of North Eastern Region) and North Eastern Council websites,” Singh said.

Railways increases reserved births for women in AC 3-tier NEW DELHI, DEC 4 (AGENCIES): Railways has decided to reserve for women six berths in AC 3-tier of Rajdhani, Duronto and all fully air-conditioned trains, according to a circular issued by the Railway Board. This quota is in addition to a combined quota of four lower berths per coach allotted in AC 3-tier for senior citizens, female passengers above the age of 45 years and pregnant women. Railways currently also offers a reservation quota of six sleeper class berths in every mail/express train for female passengers, irrespective of their age, travelling alone or in a group. In all trains having reserved sleeping accommodation, a combined quota of six lower berths per coach in sleeper class and three lower berths per coach each in AC-3 and AC-2 tier classes has been earmarked for senior citizens, female passengers above the age of 45 years and pregnant women. “It has been decided that a reservation quota of six berths in 3AC class of all Rajdhani/Duronto/fully AC trains should be earmarked for females, irrespective of their age, travelling alone or in a group of female passengers,” the circular said.

This is it!

“You banks allow VIP crooks to loot you. Then you loot us with various bank charges.” K Y M C

for the new ones (projects). We are here for transparency and there is not a single case of misappropriation in those.” Meanwhile, the NITI Forum considered opening “Ashtalakshmi” outlets at airports to sell products of the region. “We will start one such showroom shortly in Hyderabad airport which will display products from Northeast India,” Singh said. Prime Minister NaDr. Jitendra Singh addressing a press conference after the rendra Modi refers to the inauguration of the 2nd meeting of NITI forum on Tuesday. eight-state Northeast India “Similarly, we are getting work order cannot be more as “Ashtalakshmi” (eight utilisation certificates up- than six months, thereby ex- manifestations of goddess loaded and further money pediting the entire process. Lakshmi). is released… We have cut on The NDA government, delays and there is complete soon after coming to power Dr. Jitendra Singh, said transparency.” at the Centre, decided that Projects wor th Rs it would deploy at least 80% that with the assistance of 10,200 crore, including Rs of the DoNER ministry’s al- Centre, Northeast would 3,500 crore of new works, location for the completion focus on bamboo indusare currently being imple- of old projects and the rest try in a big way, since this mented in the eight states of on new projects. Schemes was a sector which has not the region. “Now, as soon as which were five years or received the deserved attention in spite of the fact that a project is sanctioned, Rs 10 older were dropped. lakh is released and the rest The ministry utilised its over 60% of India’s bamboo of the amount is released entire budgetary allocation ws grown in this region. Dr. Singh said that unonce we get the utilisation of Rs 2,682 crore in the last certificate,” DoNER secre- fiscal year. This year’s allo- der the directions of Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, tary Navin Verma said. cation is Rs 3,000 crore. Verma said the MinSingh said, “We are the home grown bamboo istry has formulated new not here to answer the mis- has been exempted from rules, under which the gap appropriation of earlier the Forest Act. During the between sanction order and governments. We are here meeting, Dr Jitendra Singh

Focus on bamboo industry

98% coverage of MRV campaign DIMAPUR, DEC 4 (NPN): Measles Rubella Vaccination Campaign (MRVC) in Nagaland, which was officially launched by state chief minister Neiphiu Rio on October 3, 2018 and concluded on November 29, 2018, has achieved a total coverage of 98% of the target children. In a press note, principal director health & family welfare (H&FW) Dr. Vikeyie Losu said that despite various ill-informed rumours and false prophecies initially crippling the campaign, the current achievement was only made possible through extensive cooperation, IEC support and financial aids received from all quarters. With the campaign successfully concluded, Dr. Losu said the department would continue to monitor new Measles and Rubella cases through active surveillance and further strengthen Routine Immunization activities in the State with the

experiences gained during the campaign. Meanwhile, a state task force meeting on immunization was organised on November 30, 2018 in the conference hall of principal secretary, H&FW, Himato Zhimomi, who chaired the programme, which was attended by senior officials of allied departments, medical department and partner organisations (UNDP, WHO, UNICEF). Review of campaign activities and performance of all 11 districts were discussed in course of powerpoint presentations by department officials and SMO WHO. H&FW department acknowledged the chief minister, H&FW minister, administration, school education, social welfare, power, police, paramilitary and all stakeholders for their constant support and cooperation throughout the campaign.

New LH team appointed DIMAPUR, DEC 4 (NPN): A new team of office bearers of Lotha Hoho (LH) has been appointed on December 3, 2018. The term of office would be December 2018 to November 2022. The new office bearers include Er. Mhondamo Ovung as chairman, S Mhonlumo Lotha as vice chairman, S Abenthung Ngullie as general secretary and Renponthung Ezung as treasurer. In a press release, LH chairman Er. Mhondamo Ovung and general secretary S Abenthung Ngullie said the appointment was done with the recommendations of the selection committee, which was appointed on November 26, 2018 by the LH executive council and unit representatives as per the provisions of Section II of the LH guidelines.

disclosed that Modi government has set up new National Bamboo Mission (NBM) to focus on this sector. The North Easter n Council Cane & Bamboo Development Council (NECBDC) would act as a coordinating and facilitating agency for the North Eastern region, he added. Out of a total outlay of Rs.1,290 crore till March 2020, Dr Jitendra Singh said Rs.150 crore to Rs.200 crore has been allocated for the North Eastern region for the year 2018-19. He said that the priority should be the marketing of high value products like bamboo shoots, candy, bamboo charcoal fibre in fashion Industry, etc. In addition, big industries dealing in fibre, construction material, bamboo engineered wood, etc. are the potential areas which can be envisaged for further expansion, he said. Referring to the growth achieved in the Tourism sector, Dr Jitendra Singh said that in the last two years, some of the destinations like Gangtok and Shillong received such a heavy tourist rush that there was no accommodation available.

Rio to open tourism project worth `97.36 cr Spl. Correspondent

NEW DELHI, DEC 4 (NPN): A tourism project “Development of Tribal Circuit: Peren-KohimaWokha”, sanctioned by the Ministry of Tourism in November 2015 for Rs. 97.36 crore, would be inaugurated by Nagaland chief minister, Neiphiu Rio, in the presence of union minister of state (I/C) for tourism, KJ Alphons and advisor for tourism, art & culture, H Khehovi Yepthomi, at Naga Heritage Village Kisama on December 5, 2018. This is the first project to be implemented in the state under Swadesh Darshan Scheme of Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. Under the project, the ministry has developed facilities like tribal tourist village, eco log huts, open air theatre, tribal rejuvenation centre, cafeteria, helipad, tourist interpretation centre, wayside amenities, last mile connectivity, public conveniences, multipurpose hall, nature trails, trekking routes etc. In addition to the

above project, the ministry has sanctioned another project in Nagaland “Development of Tribal circuit: Mokokchung–TuensangMon” for Rs.99.67 crore. The implementation of the project is in progress. Swa d e sh D a r sha n scheme is one among the flagship schemes of the Ministry of Tourism for development of thematic circuits in the country in a planned and prioritised manner. Under this scheme the Government is focussing on development of quality infrastructure in the country with objective of providing better experience and facilities to the visitors on one hand and on other hand fostering the economic growth. The scheme was launched in 2014 -15 and as on date the Ministry has sanctioned 73 projects worth projects for Rs. 5873.26 Crore to 30 States and UTs. 30 projects / major components of these projects are expected to be completed this year. 8 projects have been inaugurated as on date under the scheme.

Fuel prices fall for 13th day NEW DELHI, DEC 4 (AGENCIES): Petrol, diesel prices were slashed for the 13th straight day on Tuesday tracking a fall in international crude prices and the rupee’s appreciation against the US dollar. After Tuesday’s revision petrol became cheaper by 21-23 paise, diesel prices, on the other hand, witnessed a cut of up to 30 paise across major cities across the country. While the slump in international oil prices has led to an almost equal reduction in base price of petrol and diesel across the country, the actual cut in rates differs from state to state depending on local VAT. After today’s price revision, petrol in national capital Delhi was priced at Rs 71.72 and diesel was retailing at Rs 66.39, according to data available on Indian Oil Corporation website. Meanwhile, petrol was sold at Rs. 67.87 per litre and diesel was priced at Rs.62.31 per litre in Dimapur on Tuesday. In the state capital, a litre of petrol and diesel was Rs. 68.68 and Rs. 62.93 respectively.

Travails of ordinary visitors to Hornbill Correspondent

KOHIMA, DEC 4 (NPN): Hornbill Festival, billed as the ‘mother of festivals’ and an international one at that, has managed to continue for the past 18 years, since 2000 when the idea took shape, to celebrate Nagaland Statehood Day through a kaleidoscope of cultural items. Since then, Hornbill Festival has been sustained mainly because the state government has been the main organiser and event manager of the entire ten-day hectic ‘cultural festival-turned-carnival’ that temporarily freezes the entire state machinery. There has been both positive and negative aspects of the Hornbill Festival and to the credit of the state government, for creating an interesting programme, compressed to ten days for giving that boost to tourism.

Khiamniungan cultural troupe performing a dance Tuesday at the Hornbill Festival. (NP)

In a recent post on social media, a foreign tourist reveals the various problems faced while visiting Nagaland to witness the much-hyped Hornbill International Festival. One complaint was that the government website on Hornbill was not interac-

tive since queries are never answered. Many travel on their own and on reaching Kohima, are literally left without any place to stay as all hotels have been booked months ahead. The homestays in and around Kohima have helped but the problem of high cost of food items

and conveyance left much to be desired. One point noted was that the Hornbill Festival should maintain and showcase Naga local cultural flavour and not turned it into a mish-mash of various cultures from other states. (Cont’d on p-7)

Differently-abled stall at Honrbill Festival Govt rejects armed forces demand Correspondent

KOHIMA, DEC 4 (NPN): Amidst hundreds of stalls managed by many talented and successful entrepreneurs at the on-going 10-day Hornbill Festival at Naga Heritage Village Kisama, there is one stall managed by special children-- all differently-abled -- that has become a centre of attraction. The determination and cheerfulness of students from Cherry Blossoms School, which showed their strong will power, are winning the hearts of every visitor as they have overcome their physical disability to prove that they are inferior to none. Smile awaits every visitor who enters the stall that has an interesting collection, including gifts items, gift bags and decorative pieces, made by the children who are physically challenged. Not lacking talent even in preparing food, the spe-

Stall run by differently-abled children at Kisama. (NP)

cial children has set up food stall where food is served by them with assistance from their teachers. The group include children with intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, visually impaired, hearing impaired, etc. Cherry Blossoms School director Purnima Kayina said the main objective of the initiative was to

bring out the students and help them explore the outer world and make them feel equal with others. She explained that the stall was set up to showcase their talent in crafts and handiwork, provide them equal opportunities like others, empower them and give them the chance to get exposed to the society as

many like them were mostly shunned and confined to homes. She added that by doing this, their confidence increased and created a sense of responsibility in them. Purnima asserted that School was committed to ensure that every special child received quality and inclusive education without any discrimination or exclusion. With the promise to make all children feel equal, the director claimed that school encouraged and trained students even with disability. They are provided not only academic curricula, but also skills to earn their livelihood and live a normal life like every one, she added. School rehabilitation therapist Zeneilienuo Solo said people had been constantly supporting the school’s initiative by visiting the stall and purchasing items, besides encouraging the special children to perform even better in future.

for higher MSP; army anguished

NEW DELHI, DEC 4 (PTI): NDA-led government has rejected a longstanding demand of the armed forces for higher Military Service Pay (MSP) for over 1.12 lakh military personnel, including Junior Commissioned Officers of the Army, official sources said on Tuesday. They told PTI that the Army headquarters is “very anguished” over the decision by the Finance Ministry, and will seek its immediate review. Around 1.12 lakh military personnel, including 87,646 JCOs and 25,434 personnel of equivalent rank from the Navy and the Indian Air Force, will be affected by the decision. The demand was to increase the monthly MSP from Rs 5,500 to Rs 10,000 and the total annual financial outgo would have been

Rs 610 crore if the government had accepted the demand, sources said. The MSP for the military personnel was introduced recognising their unique service conditions and hardships. “The proposal for higher MSP for JCOs and equivalent rank of the Navy and IAF has been rejected by the Finance Ministry,” said a source. At present, the MSP has two categories-one for officers and another for JCOs and jawans. The seventh Pay Commission had fixed Rs 5,200 as MSP per month for JCOs and jawans while putting it at Rs 15,500 for officers between Lieutenant-rank and Brigadier-rank. The Army has been pressing for granting an higher MSP to the JCOs, arguing that they are gazetted

officers (Group B) and play a very vital role in command and control structure of the force. “Since JCOs are Group B gazetted officers and also have considerable length of service, it is incorrect to grant them MSP on par with the jawans. It is very unfair,” said a military officer who wished not to be named. The Army had taken up the issue strongly with the Defence Minister and the three services as well as the Defence Ministry were on the same page on the issue, the sources said. The MSP was first introduced by the 6th Pay Commission, accounting for compensation for intangible aspects of military service. It accounts for a range of “hardships and disadvantages” which cannot be evaluated while assessing pay comparability. K Y M C


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