FOR FREE PUBLIC CIRCULATION Vol.Vol. XIV. No. 5, May, 20122012

MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS GOVERNMENT OF A Monthly Newsletter on the North Eastern Region of India Also available on Internet at : www.mha.nic.in

The crusader for Equlity and Social Justice "My ideal would be the society based on liberty, equality and fraternity....." Dr. B.R. Ambedkar

DEVELOPMENTS WITH REFERENCE TO C O N T E N T S NORTH EASTERN REGION

¾ DEVELOPMENTS WITH REFERENCE TO NORTH EASTERN REGION 1. Union Home Minister held separate meetings on 5.5.2012 with Chief Ministers of , and Arunachal ¾ ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT UNDER CIVIC ACTION Pradesh to discuss important issues including boundary PROGRAMME BY CENTRAL ARMED POLICE FORCES issues. 2. A Tripartite meeting was held on 15.5.2012 under the ¾ PROGRAMMES UNDERTAKEN BY MINISTRY OF I&B Chairmanship of Joint Secretary (NE), Ministry of Home IN NORTH EASTERN REGION Affairs to review the implementation of Memorandum of Settlement (MoS) signed with the Central Government and ¾ INITIATIVES UNDERTAKEN BY GOVERNMENT OF the Government of Assam by UPDS in Nov.2011. FOR SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE PEOPLE 3. A meeting was held on 15.5.2012 to discuss the demands of 9 outfits, who surrendered before Union Home Minister ¾ SIKKIM HOSTS NORTH EAST BIOTECH HUB and Chief Minister, Assam on 24th January, 2012. Discussions COORDINATORS’ INTERACTIVE MEETING were also held on the demands of granting of Scheduled Tribe status to Adivasis living in Assam. ¾ INTEGRATED WATERSHED MANAGEMENT 4. Joint Secretary (NE), Ministry of Home Affairs chaired an PROGRAMME inter Ministerial meeting held on 16.5.2012 to review the implementation status of Assam Accord. Principal Secretary ¾ ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN BY NORTH EASTERN (Industries) and Principal Secretary (Home), Govt. of Assam COUNCIL also attended the meeting. ¾ READERS COLUMN 5. North Eastern Areas Reorganization (Amendment) Bill, 2011 has been introduced in Lok Sabha on 07.12.2011 with ¾ LETTERS TO EDITOR the objective of bifurcation of All India Services Joint Cadre of and Tripura. The Bill was referred to Department Editorial Board Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs which adopted the Bill with some changes. Further action has been initiated for consideration and passing of the Bill. 6. North-Eastern Areas (Reorganization) and other related Chief Editor Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2012 to enable establishment of Shambhu Singh separate High Courts in Meghalaya, Manipur and Tripura has been passed by both Houses of Parliament and after ascent Editors by the President has been published in the Gazette of India Dr. M.C. MehAnathan on 05.06.2012. J.P.N. Singh 7. The 1st meeting of Inter-Ministerial Group (IMG) was B.R. Dhiman held on 30.5.2012 to discuss/address the issue of providing identity cards/documents to the residents of Siliguri area on priority.

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ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT UNDER CIVIC ACTION PROGRAMME BY CENTRAL ARMED POLICE FORCES

(a) Activities carried out by Assam Rifles 15 Assam Rifles organized a legal awareness camp in association with Manipur Women Foundation and Manipur (1) Assam Rifles dedicates community hall. 37 Assam State Legal Services Authority, East on 01 May Rifles constructed a multipurpose community hall at village 2012 at Panthoibi Community Hall, Angtha Mayai Leikai. Khumbungphe, in , Manipur. Brig Upendra The occasion was graced by Commandant 15 Assam Dwivedi, Commander 26 Sector AR dedicated the community Rifles and Shri Thounaoujam Shyamkumar Singh, MLA, hall to the village authority on 01 May 12 in a ceremony Andro Assembly Constituency. Presentations were made organised at Khumbungphe village. Villagers presented a on ‘Women’s Right to Education’, ‘Right to Food’ and cultural program to express their gratitude. Commander ‘Protection of Women from Domestic Violence’ by Shri 26 Sector, Assam Rifles interacted with the ex- servicemen M Rakesh Singh, Director, Human Right Law Network and and village chiefs of the region. In another occasion, the Smt Th Premlata Devi of Human Rights Law Network. 27 Unit distributed study materials to school children of Joupi Assam Rifles of 9 Sector organised an immunization camp Primary School. at Waikhong on 02 May 2012 in which 343 persons were (2) Legal awareness camp and immunization drive. immunized.

15 AR Under HQ IGAR (S) organized one Day legal awareness 37 AR Under HQ IGAR (South) Constructed A Multipurpose camp at Panthoibi Community Hall, Angtha Mayaai Leikai. Community Hall at Village Khumbungphe, in Chandel (3) Assam Rifles organizes football coaching camp Khawbung to Aizawl from 01 May to 06 May 2012. 22 students and education excursion tour. 9 Sector AR under HQ (15 boys and 07girls) from various schools of Khawbung of IGAR(S) organized a summer football coaching camp at Youth Champhai distrist participated in the tour. The tour was Model Club, Kha-Sanjenbam, on 03 May 12. The unit flagged off at Khawbung on 01 May 12. During the tour, also provided some items to the club. About 30 youth and students visited Mizo Poet Square in Khawbung, Lengpui children participated in the coaching camp. Airport, Commander 23 Sector AR House, Doordarshan Kendra, Science Center and Aizawl City. (ii) 14 Assam Rifles organized tour for students from

18 Sikh under HQ IGAR (S) Organised A Summer Football Tour for students organized by Assam Rifles Coaching Camp at Nambol (4) Assam Rifles presents solar lamps with solar charging lamp charging station to Langnyok village, Noklak, district station Langnyok village Noklak, . (i) 1st Tuensang, under DGAR Civic Action Programme by Battalion of Assam Rifles donated 50 solar lamps and a solar TERI, as part of ‘Lighting A Billions Lives Project’. Villagers

2 May 2012 were also trained at using the charging stations. The Gaon on 08 May 12. The solar lights were handed over to the Burah and villagers of Langnyok Village expressed their village authorities by the Commandant, 37 Assam Rifles in a gratitude to the Assam Rifles for this gesture. ceremony at Joupi. The presentation ceremony culminated with an informal interaction with the villagers. During the (ii) 37 Assam Rifles presented 20 solar home lights interaction their co-operation in combating insurgency was to the villages of Nakong, Joumal, T Bollon and Tuikong sought.

Presentation of Solar lamps with solar charging stations by Assam Rifles (5) Assam Rifles organized medical camp, awareness transmitted diseases. Approximately 243 persons were programme and Hepatitis detection camp. A free medical given medical aid and the medicines were distributed to camp was organized by 15 Assam Rifles at village Ingourok them. of district, Manipur on 08 May 2012 on the (iii) 42 Assam Rifles organised an awareness program on occasion of Red Cross Day. The camp was held under the supervision of Asst Comdt A K Dahiya, ARMO Capt Mahipal prevention of drug abuse and illicit trafficking at Chandel Pabara, RMO alongwith 01 staff nurse, 03 nursing asstt. District, Manipur on 12 May, 2012. About 152 persons and 01 attendant. Colonel A S Kapoor, SM, Commandant including representatives from various organizations 15 Assam Rifles was overall in-charge. The medical camp attended the programme. 27 Assam Rifles organized was organized to reach out to the most interior areas of an immunization and Hepatitis detection program at the district and render services to the villagers who were , on 12 May 2012. deprived of medical facilities. (iv) 15 Assam Rifles organised a medical camp at (ii) 30 Assam Rifles organised a medical camp on 12 May Sairemkhul Palangsoi village on 14 May 2012. About 143 2012 at Lanthung Ching village in , persons from Sairemkhul Palangsoi and nearby areas were Manipur. A combined team of doctors from 30 Assam Rifles benefited from the camp. Children and women were given and RIMS hospital attended the camp. The participants medical attention and medicines were distributed to were educated on the need of hygiene and sanitation and them. The villagers expressed their gratitude to the unit the precautions to be taken to avoid contacting sexually for the humanitarian service.

Free medical camps organized by Assam Rifles 6. Assam Rifles organises drawing and painting A number of motivational prizes were given to others. The competition & summer camp. 27 Assam Rifles organised a event is part of the programme of the Assam Rifles which drawing and painting competition at Standard English High aims at fostering the bond of friendship between the local School, on the theme of “Greener Manipur” in Thoubal population and the Assam Rifles to channelize the energies of District, Manipur on 17 May 2012. 52 students participated the youth into fruitful activities which in turn will transform in the competition. Prizes were distributed to the winners. into peace and prosperity in the region.

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(ii) A summer camp was organized by 30 Assam Rifles for made new friends, learnt and discovered new things and the students of Assam Rifles Nodal School, Mantripukhri overcame inhibitions. During the camp, apart from learning from 14 May to 02 Jun 2012. The curriculum of the summer creative activities and participating in adventure sports, camp was chalked out in a manner so as to ensure that the the children got an opportunity to exhibit their hidden children had fun, their passions and talents were discovered, talent.

Summer Camps organised by Assam Rifles 27 AR under HQ IGAR (S) Organised A Drawing and Painting Competition at Standard English High School, Sugnu. 7. Assam Rifles established computer centre and headman, local councilors, Meirapaibis, Chairman, Village distributed computers to Langthabal Village and Council, members of Youth Club and other dignitaries inaugurated community hall were present. 28 Assam Rifles established a computer centre and (ii) 11 Assam Rifles dedicated a community hall to the distributed three computer sets alongwith accessories Chakesang Women’s Association and provided two toilet and furniture to Langthabal Village. Commandant 28 blocks to Chakesang Mother’s Association. 200 saplings Assam Rifles inaugurated the centre. He emphasized were planted on the occasion. The events were attended that Assam Rifles would continue to strive its best to by the Chakesang Women`s Association, Chakesang Mothers contribute towards improving the education infrastructure Association, President PBCC Rev VezopaTetseo and Chairman and provide modern education facilities to the young and GB of Pfutsero. The people of Pfutsero were extremely budding talent of the region. On the occasion village grateful to Assam Rifles for their continuous support.

Assam Rifles established computer lab and distributed Support/infrastructure extended by AR. computers to Langthabal village. 8. Green drive at village Phundrei and Khongjom. A 9. Inter sector football competition. Inter Sector Football green drive was carried out by 15 Assam Rifles under the Championship 2012 was held at DC local ground, from aegis of HQ 9 Sect AR as part of HQ IGAR (S) in association 07 May to 10 May 2012. The four day inter sector football with students and representatives of the village Phundrei championship was organized by 16 Assam Rifles under the and Khongjom of , Manipur on 09 May 2012. aegis of HQ 5 Sector Assam Rifles of IGAR (N). The final was 500 saplings were planted. played between 5 Sector AR and 7 Sector AR and 7 Sector AR

Students participation in the summer camps organized by AR Inter-sector football competition organised in Kohima at Mantripukhri. by Assam Rifles.

4 May 2012 emerged victorious. Brig R Ravi, Cdr HQ 5 Sect AR, felicitated (ii) 28 Assam Rifles organised a blood donation camp at the teams. Manipur University complex, Canchipur on 11 May 2012 in association with the Blood Bank of Jawaharlal Nehru Institute 10. AR ORGANIZED BLOOD DONATION CAMP AND of Medical Science (JNIMS). Approximately 80 donors from SCREENING OF EDUCATIONAL MOVIES. (i) 35 Assam Rifles Manipur University including students, professors and others organized a screening test of 11 mentally and physically turned up and donated blood voluntarily. Officers and jawans challenged children of Sajik Valley in collaboration with of 28 Assam Rifles also donated blood. Khullen Catholic Church on 04 May 12.

Screening tests of mentally and physically challenged children 28 AR under HQ IGAR (S) Organized A Blood Donation Camp at organized by AR. Manipur University Complex, Canchipur

PROGRAMMES UNDERTAKEN BY MINISTRY OF I&B IN NORTH EASTERN REGION (Directorate of Field Publicity)

(i) Region The Award “Nirmal Gram Puraskar” is conferred every year for outstanding contribution to complete sanitation Lohit district of Arunachal Pradesh has been coverage and promotion of rural sanitation under total conferred the coveted Presidential Award “Nirmal Gram sanitation campaign. Puraskar” for the year 2011-12 for excellent contribution to complete sanitation campaign/coverage. Eight blocks (ii) Manipur- Nagaland Region which won the coveted award are:- Lokang Block, In District in Manipur, one of the most Deobeel-I, Deobeel-II, Nampong Block, Namsai Block, insurgency affected districts in the State, Mahatma Chowkham-II, Wakro Block and Tezu-Sunpura Block. The Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Success story of total sanitation in this district is attributed (MNREGA) Scheme is slowly and steadily bringing the to sustained campaign by the Government agencies like misguided youths into the mainstream. This unique the Govt. Media (i.e. DFP, AIR & DIPR) Health Departments social programme has provided livelihood security by and Gram Panchayats in different blocks and NGOs. There guaranteeing 100 days of paid employment to every poor was overwhelming response from the people during the village household. MNREGA is also creating community campaign. People were sensitized that human excereta/ assets. MNREGA provides social security against poverty open defacation is the cause of typhoid, skin diseases, and unemployment. The Tangkhul Women Union and worm infection, diarrhoea, dysentery and gastrointestinal Gaonburas handled the scheme. diseases and that washing hands with soap after using toilet and before each meal is important for ensuring good health.

Water tank constructed under NREGA. The only village water source at Leangnyu village in one of the villages of Mon Footpath with a length of 57 Metres was constructed under District, Nagaland region. Villagers have to track down about MNREGA in Amlarem R.D. Block in Jaintia Hills District, 2-3 kms down hill to fetch water & climb back uphill. Meghalaya.

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(iii) Manipur Meghalaya Tripura Region The Lower Primary School in Amjajer Rako village with a population of 220 people hitherto was having only Amjajer Rako village situated on the Indo-Bangladesh one class room for its 50 students. In the year 2010 under border under Amlarem C & RD Block in Jaintia Hills District, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan scheme an additional building with Meghalaya expressed their gratitude to the Central 2 rooms was constructed at a cost of Rs. 1,70,000.00. The Government for the implementation of the Mahatma Gandhi salaries of 2 teachers employed in the above school are National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme. In the year also paid under the scheme. Smt. D. Nongrum, teacher 2010-11 the scheme besides providing employment for 100 and Shri Shedrak Nongrum, headman of Rako Village days to the beneficiaries, has given the villagers a footpath expressed their gratitude to the Central Government for of 57 metres length constructed with an amount of Rs. implementing the scheme which has benefited the people 66,500/- as wage component and Rs. 43,000/- as material of the area. component. INITIATIVES UNDERTAKEN BY GOVERNMENT OF SIKKIM FOR SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE PEOPLE

(i) DOTS plus site for STNM hospital Government for Scheduled Tribes and their objectives. The Health Minister of Sikkim Shri D.N. Takarpa (iii) Sikkim successful in reducing poverty level inaugurated the ten bedded DOTS plus site (MDR TB ward) at The data on poverty for 2009-10 released by the STNM hospital in the capital town Gangtok in March, 2012. Planning Commission, on 19th March, The DOTS Plus site is meant for admitting the MDR TB patients 2012, shows that Sikkim has been successful in reducing for pre-treatment evaluations, to monitor the tolerance of poverty in the state. The poverty level is based on the injectable drugs and management of adverse drug reactions. methodology suggested by the Tendulkar Committee with Subsequently, they will be put on RNTCP standardized estimates from NSS 66th round of consumer expenditure treatment which will be directly observed to ensure the based on 2009-10 prices level. In 2004-2005, the poverty level completion of treatment by the MDR TB patients. This would in Sikkim stood at 30.9% with 1,70,000 people living below ensure higher cure rate of MDR TB patients and also help to the poverty level. Due to the intensive poverty alleviation contain the spread of MDR TB in the community. programmes initiated by the Government, the poverty level (ii) 169 families receive benefits under Tribal Sub-Plan has been brought down to 13.1% with only 80,000/- people now living below the poverty level. The poverty level has Shri Tenzi Sherpa, MLA, Daramdin constituency significantly reduced in both urban and rural areas. In 2004 distributed assistance to 169 families of his constituency the level in rural area was 31.8% with 1, 50,000 people living under the Special Central Assistance, Tribal Sub Plan. Under Below Poverty Level. The Below Poverty Level in urban areas the scheme, 1000 lts water storage tank alongwith poly pipe was 25.9% with 20,000 people living Below Poverty Level. were provided to 48 beneficiaries, advance horticulture tools This level has drastically reduced to 5% in urban area with to 25 progressive vegetable growers, milk can with feeding only 10,000 people now living Below Poverty Level. In rural drought to 70 dairy milk co-operative society members, area the level has reduced to 15.5% with 70,000 people living chaff cutters to 10 beneficiaries, Ultra Violet film (plastic) Below Poverty Level. In comparison to All India level, the for green house to 15 families and multi-purpose mill to an Poverty level of Sikkim is half of the National level of 29.8%. unemployed youth. The level of 15.5% in rural areas is half of the national level Mr. Sherpa said that these benefits are being provided of 33.8%. 5% in urban areas is one fourth of the National level by the government to encourage the progressive farmers of 20.09%. The latest poverty level clearly shows that the of rural areas and improve their income. Welfare Officer state government is well within its goal of declaring Sikkim informed the people about various schemes of the as a poverty free state.

SIKKIM HOSTS NORTH EAST BIOTECH HUB COORDINATORS’ INTERACTIVE MEETING

2nd North East Biotech Hub Coordinators’ Interactive officials participated in the meeting to discuss protection, Meeting was held at the Chintan Bhawan, Gangtok on 14th conservation, monitoring and evaluation work on biodiversity and 15th April, 2012. The Meeting was organised by Sikkim and to foster exchange of ideas to promote biotechnology in State Council of Science and Technology, Gangtok and the North East region. the Department of Science and Technology and Climate Addressing the meeting, the Chief Minister said that Change, Government of Sikkim. The Meeting, supported Sikkim, home to towering Mount Khangchendzonga and by the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, exquisite repository of flora and fauna, has become an New , had the presence of Chief Minister, Shri Pawan exemplary state to ban killing of wild animals, felling of Chamling as chief guest along with Shri Bhim Dhungel, trees and ban use of non-biodegradable substances and very Minister for Science and Technology, Dr. T. Madhan Mohan, close to attaining zero poverty status and also vigorously Adviser, Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, pursuing the aim of making Sikkim a total organic state. New Delhi, Dr. B. Ravindran, Director ILS, Bhubaneswar, Dr. Sikkim, accounts for only 0.2% of total geographical area Purnima Sharma, MD & NERBPMC, New Delhi in the inaugural of the country, yet hosts over 26% of country’s biodiversity, session. he informed. He added that the State Government has More than 100 scientists and research scholars and undertaken a number of conservation measures to protect

6 May 2012 the mountain ecology and has moved very cautiously while of Biotech hubs under the special programme for North East undertaking developmental activity in the State. region was supported by the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India with the purpose of flourishing He also emphasized on the efforts to multiply rare biotechnology in this region. Dr. Mohan also advised the orchids and medicinal plants for conservation involving tissue state government for capacity building of the students and culture and other bio-technological approaches, for which hoped that North East will be leading in biotechnology in the he requested the Department of Biotechnology, Government next five years. of India to set up a Biotech Park in Sikkim that would cater to the whole of the NE region for entrepreneurship development The inaugural session also witnessed the release of in biotechnology using public-private partnership. books on biodiversity of Sikkim. Shri Bhim Dhungel, in his address, mentioned that science has made a noteworthy contribution to the global world in various sectors of medicine, agriculture, environment management and processing industry. Sikkim, blessed with natural beauty and rich biodiversity, is a treasure house of bio-resources and protection and conservation of the same has been a priority in the state. Dr. T.Madhan Mohan, Adviser, Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, New Delhi said that biotechnology is a fast growing science that amalgamates biology and technology to derive a result using technological applications and has been used in many forms of traditional Chief Minister of Sikkim, Shri Pawan Chamling, practices by the Indian society. The scheme on establishment addressing the meeting.

INTEGRATED WATERSHED MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME

A day long introductory workshop on Integrated During day long workshop, 11 micro watershed Watershed Management Programme (IWMP) for IWMP 1 and committees of Rolu Khola watershed (IWMP 1) and Seti Khola IWMP 2 in South Sikkim was held in the community hall on watershed (IWMP 2) which has 5 GPUs each and 33 and 27 April 2, 2012. The workshop was organized by South Wildlife villages under them respectively, received social assets like Division of Forest Environment and Wildlife Management Public Address System, portable generators, food warmer, Department. Shri P.D.Rai, MP, Lok Sabha was the chief tables, chairs and tents under Entry Point Activities (EPA) guest and the Minister for Building and Housing Department from Shri P.D. Rai. Smt. Tilu Gurung gave away cheques Smt. Tilu Gurung was the guest of honor of the inauguration under EPA to JFMCS a/EDCs of South and West District. function.

ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN BY NORTH EASTERN COUNCIL

As part of its commitment of bringing about all round who shoulder the responsibilities of training future leaders, development of the North Eastern Region, the NEC, apart NEC has taken steps for teacher’s training in a big way and from funding infrastructure development in all the 8 North many key resource persons are already trained who will in- Eastern States, had brought out a number of studies including turn be used for training the untrained teachers. Teacher’s Vision 2020, Tourism Master Plan for the whole North Eastern training programmes are also being sponsored. States, sponsored seminars and symposium relevant to the 4. Human Resource Development being one of the crucial region, etc. Some of the projects and programmes undertaken factor for development of the North Eastern Region and as by the Human Resources Development and Employment (HRD per the felt need of the population, NEC, in its endeavor &E) Sector of the NEC includes: of enhancing the employability and development of Human 1. Merit Scholarship to the North Eastern students who take Resources, has sponsored job oriented training programmes up higher technical courses in the country. This programme on topics such as computer hardware, computer software is implemented through the states and the scholarship is and BPO, machine operator- plastic processing and re-cycling available to students who have not availed of any other technology, banana fiber extraction and utilization, hair scholarship. More than 3435 students have benefitted from styling and beauty care, P.G. Diploma in rural development this programme during the financial year 2010-11. and management, CAD/CAM, CNC technology, ayurvedic therapies courses, hearing disabilities, adventure sport, 2. As a part of its social upliftment programme, a pilot coaching courses on bank PO Exam, CAT/MAT/CMAT exam., project of sponsoring meritorious students from economically UPSC exam, retail management, etc. More than 2600 youths backward families from the North Eastern States was taken were trained during the last financial year. up and currently 23 students are being sponsored in Class 6 (six) in Assam Rifles Public School, Shillong. Same number of 5. To encourage and acknowledge talented sport persons students will be added annually for another 5 years. of the North Eastern Region, NEC’s Chairman Sport Award was constituted where medal winners of the Olympic, 3. Recognizing the need for training In-Service Teachers Common Wealth, Asian and National Games are to be given

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cash award. Medal winners of the recently held Common H.S. School at Lumia, , construction of Wealth and Asian Games were felicitated with Cash prize two storied boy’s hostel at Diphu college at Diphu, Assam, of Rs. 10.00 lakhs for Gold Medal, Rs. 5.00 lakhs for Silver construction of mini sports stadium at Chambang under Medal and Rs. 3.00 lakhs for Bronze Medal. Kurung Kumeng district of Arunachal Pradesh, construction of science laboratory at United college under Chandel district 6. Under Talent Search Scheme, young up-coming sports of Manipur, infrastructure development of Govt. secondary persons are being sponsored to enable them to hone up and school and M.E. school under Tali Circle, Kurung Kumeng improve their skills. district of Arunachal Pradesh where one has to travel by foot 7. As a pilot project, the “Youth to the Edge” is executed for 2 days from the nearest motorable road to reach the by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports through the destination, construction of boys and girls hostel at SSA M.E. National Service Scheme. The scheme provides to introduce School at Dipu Gongo-II, Upper Subansari district, Arunachal youth from rest of India to North Eastern region and organize Pradesh, construction of indoor stadium at Toru, construction combined adventure activities alongwith the youth from of boys and girls hostel at Dirang, Construction of girls and NER to promote the spirit of adventure, environmental boys hostel at , construction of lawn tennis awareness, national integration, disaster management, academy at Lamphel, Imphal, development of playground at promotion of adventure tourism, channelizing youth energy Regional College for Physical Education, Panisagar, Tripura, in positive direction, sense of self employment and self- construction of mini sports stadium at Yachuli and Yazali, recognition. The project was launched by the Minister for construction of boys and girls hostel at R.K. Sanatombi DoNER, Shri Paban Singh Ghatowar on 30th January, 2012 Devi Vidyalaya, , Manipur, etc. construction of and formally flagged off at Tinsukia by the Minister of Youth football stadium at Jairampur, Changlang, construction of Affairs and Sport Shri Ajay Maken and Minister of DoNER. swimming pool and transit hostel at Lamphelpat, Manipur, construction of Titlagarh sport complex, Assam, installation To start with, one trail in Nagaland (Dzukou Valley) and two of flood light system at J.N. Stadium, Shillong, up-gradation trails in Arunachal (Roing and ) were identified. and modernization of class rooms of Government colleges, 8. Infrastructure development work under education, Nagaland, up-gradation and expansion of Government social sector and sports are taken up in a big way. Some Khawpui Memorial Higher Secondary School, Dawrpui of the projects which were taken up recently include Govt. Vengthar, Aizawl etc.

READERS COLUMN

The NE monthly Newsletter is published in English, write-ups from general public are also solicited on specific Assamese, Bengali and Manipuri and has a circulation issues/problems and including on measures for resolution of 40,000 copies. Ministry of Home Affairs brings out thereto in the North East. the publication incorporating important information/ developments concerning North Eastern States. Articles should be sent in a hard copy format accompanied by floppy/CD version along with photographs. Ministry of Home Affairs, through the Newsletter, Articles should be accompanied by an abstract of maximum requests for inputs for the Newsletter from the State of 150-200 words. Readers are encouraged to send comments Governments, agencies, institutions and individuals and suggestions (upto 300-400 words) on published articles. highlighting the area specific issues, problems, special All letters should have writer’s full name and postal address. features potential for tourism, environmental protection The selected articles will be published in the monthly NE or special efforts/achievement in various fields. Views and Newsletter with due editing.

LETTERS TO EDITOR

1. I shall be very grateful if you 2. I am interested to get and read free 3. I shall be highly obliged if you kindly send a free copy of the NE copy of NE Newsletter in English to kindly send me a free copy of Newsletter in English to the address my address given below. NE Newsletter in English to my given below. address given below. Sd/- Sd/- Patel Vikram Kumar S, Sd/- G. S Talukdar, A-52, Vijay Park, Pfuchama Kohima Sadar, General Secretary, Maninagar (East), C/o SDO (Civil) Jakhama, Assam Horticultural Society, Ahemdabad-380008, Kohima, Nagaland Sanjoh Path (Near SBI Colony), Gujarat P.O- Khanapara, Guwahati-22, Assam) MHA requests the readers to send their response through e-mail at: [email protected] Readers are also requested to e-mail their e-mail address for getting a copy of the N.E. News Letter through e-mail. Request for free copy of the NE Newsletter indicating language preferred or suggestions, if any, may be sent to the Chief Editor/Editor at the address given below:

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