Northeast key to ‘Act East’: Dr Jitendra Singh

[Hindustani78]

The Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region (I/C), Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh holding a meeting with the representatives of Manipur Autonomous District Councils (ADCs), in New Delhi on December 06, 2016.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry for Development of North-East Region
09-December, 2016 18:51 IST
Dr Jitendra Singh for promoting 'home-stay' tourism in Northeast

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh has called for promoting the concept of “home-stay” tourism in Northeast. Citing the success of such experiment in States of Sikkim and Meghalaya, he said, such exclusive and personalized approach does not only increase the tourist inflow, but also generates new avenues of livelihood for local youth and families.

Dr Jitendra Singh discussed the progress of work on Sikkim's Pakyong Airport with the Governor of Sikkim, Shri Shriniwas Patil here yesterday. Dr Jitendra Singh said Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had himself, during one of the monthly “Pragati” video interactions with State Chief Secretaries, expressed the need to expedite the project.

With Gangtok having a large flow of tourists from across the world, Dr Jitendra Singh said the presence of an airport will make the accessibility more convenient and increase the number of tourists manifold. Similarly, Shillong is currently connected through a commercial helicopter service from Guwahati, but with the upgradation of the local airport, there will be a boost to the tourist inflow.

Dr Jitendra Singh recalled that during his recent visits to some of the scenic spots in Meghalaya and other States, he came across lot of tourists from outside preferring an accommodation within the home premises of local households which not only gives them a feeling of homeliness and privacy but also familiarizes them with the local ambiance. At the same time, for the household family, this concept of ‘home stay” tourism becomes an added as well as substantial source of income.

Governor Shri Shriniwas Patil recalled Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s visit to Sikkim when he had named three exclusive local flower plants as “NAMO”, “SARDAR” and “DEENDAYAL”. He said, the people of the State keenly look forward to Prime Minister visiting the State again. He also deeply appreciated the keen interest taken by Dr Jitendra Singh in following up all the issues and development projects related to the State of Sikkim.

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KSD/NK/PK/KM

 

[Hindustani78]

AYUSH
21-December, 2016 14:41 IST
Shri Shripad Naik to formally inaugurate the North Eastern Institute of Ayurveda & Homoeopathy at Shillong tomorrow

NEIAH to provide health care to people of North-Eastern region and Sikkim under Ayurveda/Homoeopathy systems of medicine



Minister of State for AYUSH (Independent Charge) Shri Shripad Yesso Naik will formally inaugurate the North Eastern Institute of Ayurveda & Homoeopathy (NEIAH) at Shillong in Meghalaya tomorrow. NEIAH is an autonomous institute established by M/o AYUSH, Government of India.


The Institute is having College of Ayurveda and College of Homoeopathy with admission capacity of 50 students each along with a 100-beded Ayurvedic Hospital and a 50-beded Homoeopathy Hospital, Documentation-cum-R&D Centre and Pharmacy with Drug Testing Laboratory. The institute will be a unique institution which will be independent and collocated beside NEIGRIHMS with multi-speciality, where education and health care facilities through Ayurveda & Homoeopathy will be provided under one platform. Moreover, it is designed to facilitate the promotion of Ayurveda and Homoeopathy, the expansion of health care facilities, improvement in the doctor-population ratio and Research and Development on bio-resources in the North East.


The construction of Ayurveda College & Hospital, Homoeopathy College & Hospital and Library cum Administrative buildings under Phase I of NEIAH project has been completed. Phase II of the Project will include residential quarters, hostels for under graduate boys/ girls, Senior Residents etc.



NEIAH has been established at Shillong to provide health care to the people of NE Region and Sikkim under the Ayurveda and Homoeopathy systems of medicine, to promote and popularize Ayurveda and Homoeopathy and to create awareness among the general masses regarding the importance, effectiveness and potentials of Ayurveda and Homoeopathy.


The main aims and objectives of NEIAH, Shillong:

• To provide under graduate, post graduate, doctoral and post-doctoral teaching, research facilities and quality patient care services under the Ayurvedic and Homoeopathic systems of medicine;
• To conduct experiment and develop patterns of teaching in under graduate and post graduate education in all branches of the Ayurvedic and Homoeopathic systems of medicine;
• To conduct research on various aspects of Ayurvedic and Homoeopathic systems of medicine;
• To provide medical care through Ayurvedic and Homoeopathic systems of medicine to the people;
• To conduct refresher courses for Ayurvedic and Homoeopathic systems of medicine;
• To develop, promote and propagate the science and art of Ayurveda and Homoeopathy as the case may be.

The Institute has started functioning with one College of Ayurveda and one College of Homoeopathy from the academic session 2016 – 17. The Institute admitted 50 candidates each for BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine & Surgery) and BHMS (Bachelor of Homoeopathic Medicine & Surgery) courses commencing from 30th November, 2016. The Institute is affiliated to the North Eastern Hills University (NEHU), Shillong for both these courses. The seats are reserved for all seven states of North Eastern Region along with 24 (twenty four) seats under the All India Open Seats Quotas.


The Institute is presently running with OPD and IPD (Ayurvedic & Homoeopathic) with qualified specialist doctors with all diagnostic & laboratory facilities. Free Panchakarma therapies along with free laboratory diagnostic facilities are also available. We also provide free medicines to patients as per availability of medicines in the stock. Presently a 60 beded Ayurveda Hospital and a 20 beded Homoeopathy Hospital are functional.


Shri Naik will be the Chief Guest of the inauguration ceremony which will be presided over by Secretary, Ministry of AYUSH, Shri Ajit M. Sharan. Minister of Health and Family welfare in Meghalaya Government Smt. Roshan Warjri will also be present at the function.



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[Hindustani78]

AYUSH
22-December, 2016 18:33 IST
Shri Shripad Naik formally inaugurates the North Eastern Institute of Ayurveda & Homoeopathy at Shillong

NEIAH to provide good quality medical graduates in traditional medicine, generate employement and promote tourism in the North East: AYUSH Minister


The Minister of State for AYUSH Shri Shripad Yesso Naik formally inaugurated the North Eastern Institute of Ayurveda and Homoeopathy (NEIAH), an autonomous Institute under Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, in Shillong, Meghalaya today. With this, it became the second Ayurvedic College in the North East Region with a Homeopathy college and the only Central Academic Institute of Ayush.

Expressing his pleasure in dedicating the NEIAH to the nation, Shri Shripad Yesso Naik was hopeful that this prestigious Institute will cater to the need of all the states of the North East. ‘The primary aim of the Institute is to produce quality human resource in the area of AYUSH in general, particularly in the Ayurveda and Homeopathy along with the Yoga systems”, Shri Naik said. The AYUSH Minister said that the establishment of this Institute will solve the problem of scarcity of doctors in remote areas of the North Eastern regions to a great extent as it will produce quality medical graduates in the stream of Ayurveda and Homeopathy; and thereby it will suitably help in implementing and improving the execution of national health policies.

Appreciating the abundance of rich flora in the region and presence of folk and traditional health care practices, the Minister said that the knowledge of this traditional healer is to be preserved, need to be on a validated based on ethno botanical and scientific research with practical suitability for clinical practices. He was confident while adding that a serious involvement of this Institute in research and development will also explore herbal-agro based industry and ultimately promote the cultivation of medicinal plants in this region, which are most climatically suitable for large number of medicinal plants from high altitude to mid level altitude of the hilly areas.

The NEIAH will also work with priority to popularize Panchakarma and Yoga along with production of para-medical staff for development of skill for youth of this region, the minister said. Shri Shripad Naik added, “Promotion of Panchakarma therapy for curative, preventive and promotional areas not only boost Health care sector in government and private sector but it may be amalgamated with health tourism in the areas like Shillong for promoting health tourism industries”.

Wishing the people of the North East a Merry Christmas and a Happy and prosperous New Year, the minister ended his speech by adding that NEIAH will be the latest contribution to the already rich academic atmosphere of Shillong and that this step once again reiterates the fact that development of North East India is the priority of the present Union Government.

Minister of Health & F.W, Govt. of Meghalaya Smt. Roshan Warjri in her speech expressed her gratefulness to the Union government for providing an Institute of this stature which the region has long yearned for. She said that government of Meghalaya has always promoted the spirit of Ayurveda and Homeopathy; and that this has always been part of mainstream public health system of the state. With the introduction of Rasthriya Bal Sawasthya Karykram (RBSK) under National Health Mission these streams have assumed greater importance, she said.

The Director of NEIAH Prof (Dr) P K Goswami earlier in his inaugural speech said that the Institute will be a unique institution which will be independent and collocated beside NEIGRIHMS with multi-speciality, where education and health care facilities through Ayurveda & Homoeopathy will be provided under one platform.

The NEIAH has started functioning with one College of Ayurveda and one College of Homoeopathy from the academic session 2016-17. The Institute admitted 50 candidates each for BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine & Surgery) and BHMS (Bachelor of Homoeopathic Medicine & Surgery) courses which commenced from 30th November, 2016. The Institute is affiliated to the North Eastern Hills University (NEHU), Shillong for both these courses. The seats are reserved for the states of North Eastern Region along with 24 (twenty four) seats under the All India Open Seats Quotas.

The NEIAH is presently running with OPD and IPD (Ayurvedic & Homoeopathic) with qualified specialist doctors with all diagnostic and laboratory facilities. Free Panchakarma therapies along with free laboratory diagnostic facilities are also available. At present a 60 bedded Ayurveda Hospital and a 20 bedded Homoeopathy Hospital are functional.

Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), Shri Vincent Pala; Joint Secretary to Ministry of AYUSH, Shri Anurag Srivastava; Additional Chief Secretary to Government of Meghalaya, Shri Yeshi Tsering and other senior officers of Ministry of AYUSH and the Meghalaya Government were present at the function.

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[Hindustani78]

The Minister of State for AYUSH (Independent Charge), Shri Shripad Yesso Naik lighting the lamp at the inauguration of the North Eastern Institute of Ayurveda & Homoeopathy (NEIAH), at Shillong, in Meghalaya on December 22, 2016.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Science & Technology
23-December, 2016 17:39 IST
50 Biotech Laboratories to be established in Senior Secondary Schools of Arunachal Pradesh

Foundation Stone of Centre for Bio-Resources and Sustainable Development laid In Arunachal Pradesh

Rs. 75 to 100 crores earmarked for the next five years for biotechnology in the State


Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, will set up 50 Biotech Laboratories in Senior Secondary Schools of Arunachal Pradesh under the scheme Biotech Labs in Senior Secondary Schools (BLISS) to encourage young dynamic students. Rs. 75 to 100 crores have been earmarked for the implementing the projects This was announced by Union Minister of Science and Technology & Earth Science Dr. Harsh Vardhan while laying the foundation stone of the Centre for Bio Resources and Sustainable Development at Kimin, Papum Pare District, Arunachal Pradesh on 22.12.2016. This project will be jointly funded by Department of Bio-Technology and Rural Technology Centre of Department of Science and Technology, Government of India.

Addressing a public meeting in Kimin after the foundation stone laying ceremony Dr. Harsh Vardhan, expressing his gratitude, said that “we appreciate and we are so proud of the richness of Arunachal Pradesh in terms of its biodiversity and its bio resources but now with so much of advancement of science, it is necessary that these bio resources are preserved and monitored and utilized for the best use of the humanity not only for the people of Arunachal Pradesh but for the whole world”.

The Minister further informed that a State Level Biotech Hub will also be set up in the State for conducting high-end researches and training North Eastern Region Researchers and students, to create and train employable manpower. For protection of indigenous traditional knowledge of the State, an Intellectual Property(IP) Cell will be set up in the State Science and Technology Council. Five centres of excellence will also be established in different areas of Biotechnology in the State.

Setting up biotechnology labs in the schools will directly benefit more than ten thousand students and teachers of the state towards promoting education in biotechnology and attracting billion young students with multidisciplinary research areas. The outreach programme will immensely help in generating awareness and enhancing literacy and promoting public understanding of biotechnology in the state. The Minister also expressed that organizing the outreach programme will have direct benefit to more than five lakh people including students in the state, towards understanding biotechnology comprehensively/holistically.

Dr. Harshvardhan also urged the State Government for expeditious implementation of the projects. These projects will lead to more than 1500 natural dye extraction units, 100 banana fibre and extraction units, more than 150 fruit processing units, more than 300 mushroom production entrepreneurs, 200 medical and aromatic cultivation units, and more than 50 orchid cultivation entrepreneurs and more than 100 vermi-culture entrepreneurs.

Implementation of Biotechnology projects will also lead to developing market linkages to facilitate entrepreneurs for marketing their produce that will help in income generation, sustainable Socio-techno-economic development in rural tribal areas at large. The Project will also lead to biotechnological implementation and sustainable utilization, development and conservation of bio resources of the State. Rural Technology Centre under CSIR, value added agriculture, medicinal and aromatic plant cultivation mushroom, floriculture, leather and pottery to promote rural technology. A team of experts will be sent to the State to study the feasibility and promotion of Science and how the youth can benefit from Government of India Start Up and Stand Up Programme and after their suggestions many more projects will be given to the state.

Dr. Harsh Vardhan also appreciated the spirit of true patriotism among of the people of the state and forces who are guarding the borders in difficult circumstances for the welfare of the country.

Calling the day as historic moment for people of Kimin, Minister for Urban Development, Law and Justice, Government of Arunachal Pradesh Shri Nabam Rebia thanked the Union Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan for the Central Government’s support to such major projects for Arunachal Pradesh and North Eastern region as a whole. He informed that from communication point of view Kimin is a very important place and serves as a gateway to many districts of the State and that the land is abundant of setting up of such big projects. Shri Rebia also said that Arunachal Pradesh has plenty of resources, which are yet to be explored, and developed for welfare of the people. He further said that Arunachal Pradesh is a peaceful state with peace loving people and patriotism is deep routed in the heart of the people of the state.

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RDS/nb

Ministry of Textiles
23-December, 2016 16:45 IST
Investors Summit for North Eastern States to be held on 30-31 Jan 2017

Unlocking manufacturing potential of Textiles in the North East

The Ministry of Textiles have taken an initiative to organize first ever “Investors Summit” exclusively for NER in association with Ministry of DONER and the Industry Associations FICCI and CII on 30-31 January 2017 at Shillong. The Summit aims to showcase the NER as a global destination for investment, and explore possibility of convergence of efforts of various central Ministries and North Eastern States to attract investment in NER.

The Summit will be attended by the all North Eastern States, Industries from North East and leading investors across the country. The Summit is expected to unlock huge potential of the NER in textile manufacturing and generate new avenues for employment in the region.

North Eastern Region has huge potential for investments particularly in the field of textiles and handicrafts due to its inherent strength for skilled work force and locally available raw material. Ministry of Textiles is implementing projects worth Rs 1050 cr for Handlooms, Handicrafts, sericulture, Apparel & Garmenting, Technical textiles etc. in the eight States of North East region in line with the “Act East” policy of the Government,

These projects have created a foundation for further growth of manufacturing in textile sector. Other line Ministries also have schemes where various incentives/ concessions are available for investments in NER. However, the information is mostly in silos and does not provide a comprehensive picture to the investors about the opportunities in North East.

*****

 

[Hindustani78]

The Union Minister for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Harsh Vardhan laying the foundation stone of the Centre for Bio Resources and Sustainable Development and Rural Technology Centre, at Kimin, in Arunachal Pradesh on December 23, 2016.

The Union Minister for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Harsh Vardhan addressing at the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Centre for Bio Resources and Sustainable Development and Rural Technology Centre, at Kimin, in Arunachal Pradesh on December 23, 2016.

 

[Hindustani78]

A view of the newly constructed New Saraighat Bridge over the Bramhaputra, in Guwahati, on Thursday. PTI Photo

 

[Hindustani78]

Republic of India
31-December, 2016 14:35 IST
Cabinet Decisions: Since 06.01.2016

24.08.2016

Cabinet approves Leasing out of Airports Authority of India land to Assam Industrial Development Corporation for Centre for Perishable Cargo at LokpriyaGopinathBordoloi International Airport, Guwahati.

10.09.2014


Government sanctions a major power transmission scheme for Arunachal Pradesh & Sikkim to bring them fully into the grid

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, today approved the Comprehensive Scheme for Strengthening of Transmission & Distribution (T&D) Systems (CSST&DS) in Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim at an estimated cost of Rs.4754.42 crore. The scheme is to be taken up under a new Central Sector Plan Scheme of Ministry of Power (MoP).

 

[Hindustani78]

http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/he...ct-jaundice/article16989172.ece?homepage=true
IIT-Guwahati reseachers employ a technique that makes use of gold nanoclusters and copper sulphate for quick tests for bilirubin levels
Now, a thumb imprint is all that is required for detecting hyperbilirubinemia, a condition in which the amount of bilirubin in the blood is in excess and turns the sclera of the eye, urine and even the skin yellow. Hyperbilirubinemia is commonly seen in people with jaundice and newborns; a person is said to have jaundice when the bilirubin concentration in the blood typically exceeds 12 ppm in adults and 50 ppm in a newborn.

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati have tested the sensitivity and specificity of a simple, quick, point-of-care test for detecting excess bilirubin in patients.

While visual observation of yellow colour of the sclera and/or urine is routine for detecting jaundice, it is confirmed by a blood test.

A team led by Prof. Arun Chattopadhyay from the Department of Chemistry and Centre for Nanotechnology, IIT Guwahati, used thumb imprints to detect hyperbilirubinemia. The results were published in the journal Scientific Reports.

“When a person has jaundice, the bilirubin gets deposited on the skin surface. We wanted to develop a quick test to confirm if the bilirubin amount has exceeded the permissible limit in the blood,” says Prof. Chattopadhyay.

The team has been working on nanotechnology for more than 10 years, and, in recent years, on luminiscent atomic nanoclusters.

“Gold nanoclusters that have been functionalised [using chitosan and mercaptopropionic acid] show yellow luminescence under UV light. But when copper salt (copper sulphate) is added to it, the yellow luminescence gets quenched or reduced. When bilirubin is added to the medium, the copper preferentially interacts with it, forming a complex and the luminescence of the gold nanoclusters gets restored,” he says.

Luminescence restored

The bilirubin comes when the thumb is pressed on a gold nanoclusters coated membrane that has copper deposited on it.

“Previous independent studies have shown that luminescence of the gold nanoclusters is quenched by copper and at the same time copper interacts with bilirubin. So that’s why we chose copper ions,” says Srestha Basu from IIT Guwahati and the first author of the paper.

“You need to press the thumb on the membrane for a few minutes to restore the yellow luminescence in the the gold nanoclusters,” he says. Immediately after taking an impression, the same thumb cannot be used on a different membrane to restore the luminescence of copper-deposited gold nanoclusters.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Labour & Employment
06-January, 2017 14:07 IST
Regional Labour Conference of North-Eastern Region held in Guwahati

18 Model Career Centres to be established in North East Region: Shri Bandaru Dattatreya

Shram Suvida Portal to bring more transparency & accountability in enforcement of labour laws: Shri Bandaru Dattatreya

The Regional conference of state Labour Ministers and Principal Secretaries of Labour of North Eastern States was held yesterday in the presence of Shri Bandaru Dattatreya, the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Labour & Employment, It was inaugurated by the Chief Minister of Assam, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal in Guwahati. The Secretary, Labour and Employment, Govt. of India, Smt. Sathiavathi and officers from all the 7 states of North East were also present.



Inaugurating the conference the Chief Minister of Assam urged to upgrade the ESIC Model Hospital at Beltola from 50 bedded to 150 bedded. Shri Sonowal also highlighted the steps taken by the State Government of Assam to reduce the hardships of people during demonetisation.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Bandaru Dattatreya highlighted various labour reforms taken by the Government measures taken to ensure job security and social security of workers and implementation of National Career Service Project. of 100 model career centres to be established in India, 18 are to be set up in North East States.

Shri Dattatreya also stated that the various initiatives taken by the Ministry of Labour and Employment like launching of

He said that Shram Suvida Portal, an initiative of this Government has brought more transparency and accountability leading to better enforcement of labour laws, Simplification of 43 labour laws in to 4 major labour codes like code on wages; code on Industrial relations; code as Social Security & Welfare and Code on safety & working conditions is under process.

Shri Dattatreya highlighted the initiatives taken by Government to improve health infrastructure in the North East states. The Minister said that the existing 50 bedded hospital in Assam (Beltola) will be upgraded to 150 bedded Hospital in phases as per the request of Chief Minister of Assam.The Minister said that the legislative reforms undertaken by the Government like enhancing the eligibility limit under Bonus Act from Rs. 10000 to 21000 per month and enhancement of calculation ceiling from Rs. 3500 to Rs. 7000, amendments through child labour (Prohibitions & Regulation) Amendment Bill 2016, that stipulates complete prohibition of child labour below 14 years and stringent punishment for its violation. The Amendment also prohibits the adolescents of age group of 14-18 years to be employed in hazardous occupations.

Shri Dattatreya also stated in order to ensure cashless transaction of wages to workers, particularly those in the informal sector, Ministry of Labour and Employment has taken huge efforts for opening bank accounts. Already 25.68 crore Jandhan Accounts are existing and the workers left out are being covered under this effort.

Labour and Employment Minister concluded that Co-operative Federalism is a key vehicle to achieve rapid development in India. Strong states are the foundation of a strong India. The progress of a country depends on the progress of the states as state governments along with the central governments are co-partners in moving forward the agenda of economic development. Shri Dattatreya also reiterated his commitment for welfare and social security to all workers.

In the regional conference of North East all the officers and bureau leads made presentations on various initiatives undertaken by the Government of India.

The Model shops and establishment (Regulation of Employment and conditions of Service) Bill, 2016 approved by the Union cabinet is a suggestive piece of legislation keeping in view the spirit of cooperative federalism. This gives liberty to states for fine tuning the Model bill while making Acts to suit their requirement. This Model bill gives freedom to operate 365 days in a year and opening / closing time of establishment, women to be permitted employment during night shift, if the provision of shelter, rest room, ladies toilets, adequate protection of their dignity and transportation etc., exists.

As part of the Administrative initiatives, Govt. of India has taken important decisions concerning workers’ interests. Like (a) The minimum wages for all sectors in the central sphere has been increased by more than 42% (b) ESI coverage on wage ceiling has been increased from Rs. 15000 to 21000, (c) Minimum pension under EPS has been revised to Rs. 1000 in perpetuity per month, (d) Bonous ceiling has been enhanced from Rs. 3500 to 7000 and the eligibility limit has been raised from Rs. 10000 to 21000, (e) EDLI benefit increased from 3.6 lakh (Max( to 6.0 (Max), (f) Time limit reduced to 20 days from 30 day for EPF claim settlements and (g) Optional Deferment of age for drawing Pension from 58 year to 60 year with 4% per year incentive.

Besides, under the revised scheme for the rehabilitation of Bonded Labour the quantum of financial assistance has been increased from the symbolic level of Rs. 20000 to Rs. 3 lakh. While the most deprived and marginalized people like the disabled, female and children rescued from trafficking, sexual exploitation and transgender will get Rs. 3 lakhs, the next in order is the special category comprising of females and the minors who will now get Rs. 2 lakhs. A normal adult male bonded labour will get Rs. 1 lakh.

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The Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region (I/C), Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh releasing the 2017 Calendar of the North Eastern Council, in New Delhi on January 06, 2017. The senior officers of the Ministry of DoNER and NEC are also seen.

 

[Hindustani78]

Sumati Sutradhar (65), a childless woman, was more than a fellow-villager to the thousands of Muslims residing in Jubrajnagar in Tripura’s Unakoti district. (HT Photo)
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india...hindu-woman/story-0P86NiUKGYEQcZX6L2OvLN.html

On December 29 last year, several Muslims mourned the death of the only Hindu who was living amidst them in their remote village in Tripura along the border with Bangladesh.

Sumati Sutradhar (65), a childless woman, was more than a fellow-villager to the thousands of Muslims residing in Jubrajnagar in Tripura’s Unakoti district.

In 1999, soon after her husband’s death, she had donated her land to the state government to build a school for girls which has gained in stature, witnessing 550 passouts in the last 16 years.

In the Muslim-dominated village, there was constant pressure on her to give up her land as neighbours had been trying to encroach ever since she and her husband settled there after the Bangladesh liberation war of 1971.

The land donation to the Tripura education department killed two birds with one stone—she ensured protection of her land and ensured education for Muslim girls, who were being discouraged from going to school.

Sumati also got Rs 3,000 as monthly allowance for her basic needs and was allowed to stay in a small room of the school building till death.

Inaugurated on December 31, 1999, the school was upgraded to higher secondary in 2010 and became Jubrajnagar Colony Girls’ Higher Secondary School. As the school grew in stature, Hindu families from nearby villages began enrolling their girls there. At least 823 girls study there now.

Initially, many villagers did not approve of the school, but later realised the magnitude of Sumati’s service for their daughters.

Now, a week after her death, they want the school named after her.

“Some villagers want to rename the school after Sumati Devi. We shall be discussing this at a meeting with the village head,” Manik Ali, a former teacher, said. His daughter had passed out from the school.

“Sumati Devi deserves the honour because she was the reason why many girls of the area are educated today. She did not regret donating the land, and was happy to see so many girls come to the school on her land,” Anjan Banik, another ex-teacher, said.

Banik said the teachers and villagers could write to the government for renaming the school officially after Sumati Sutradhar.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...ips-not-special-packages’/article17006038.ece

TIRUPATI: The development of the northeast lies in building sustainable partnerships but not in special packages, opined Assam Science Technology and Environment Council Director Dr. Arup Kumar Misra.

Delivering a talk during a plenary session on ‘Science and Technology in Northeast India’, on the final day of the 104th Indian Science Congress here on Saturday, Mr. Misra said comprehensive development could be witnessed only when there was priority in building of skills and development of human resources. “This initiative, backed by establishment of more national institutes or laboratories, like what Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT-G) had contributed, would augur well for the region,” he said.

Mr. Misra said that mainstreaming of academic, industrial and developmental processes should be done as a rule, but not an exception. He traced the history of the Northeast region to Ahom Era (1228-1826) elucidating on the traditional knowledge used in building historic monuments, bridges, gates etc., that still challenge the science and technology event today. “However, from 1960s, doctrine of geographical isolation gained momentum, followed by several other factors, pushing the development agenda of the region backwards,” he added.

IIT-G Director Gautam Biswas stressed on the need to adopt vocational training in alignment with the existing courses, leading to enhancement of personal knowledge. He highlighted the four key factors for the present situation of the region — exodus of students to other States for education, search for better employment opportunities, socio-political influences and delay in conducting exams and declaring results.

Manipur University Prof. Arun Kumar, Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology Director N.C. Talukdar, and North-Eastern Hill University’s Head of Department of Environmental Studies B.K. Tiwari suggested that regional institutions must focus their research in resolving local and regional challenges, in addition to using traditional knowledge for development. “There should be a strong linkage/interface between government and scientific institutions, with focus on societal demand based research i.e, science for society,” they remarked. The speakers concluded that an effective science and technology intervention could be done in the sectors such as forest, agriculture, biodiversity (conservation and utilisation of natural resources), water and climate change, with utmost priority.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry for Development of North-East Region
16-January, 2017 18:55 IST
Dr Jitendra Singh discusses tourism promotion plans for Shillong



The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh discussed here today the tourism promotion plans for Shillong and other surrounding areas of Northeast with a group of professionals led by Member of Parliament from Tura, Meghalaya, Shri Conrad K. Sangma.

The Minister was given an audio-visual presentation about the roadmap conceived for placing Shillong as a tourist attraction on global platform and thereby also promoting the entire region through a similar strategy. The presentation highlighted the various options and itineraries with focus on a 3-day holiday capsule incorporating cultural activities, meditation centres, music workshops, experience of food cuisines and trekking options.

Dr Jitendra Singh said there is no second opinion about the fact that Shillong has not received the kind of tourism attention as it deserves. This, he said, is an irony considering the fact that Shillong is the original capital of Northeast right from the days of British Empire to the post-Independence era of undivided Assam State. However, he said, the Central Government has done its best to fast-track and make up for the undone initiatives of the past.

Dr Jitendra Singh also disclosed that, with a view to make the Shillong Airport fully functional with wider utility, the Ministry of DoNER has offered to fund the budget required for extension of the air-strip. At the same time, he said, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has also been approached to extend the facility at the airport and at the same time, increase the number of chopper / helicopter flights.

Some of the music groups from Meghalaya can also be made part of the tourism bonanza capsule, he said.

Dr Jitendra Singh also referred to the practice of "home-stay" tourism which has caught up in a big way in Shillong and surrounding areas, and said, this is a practice which is worth emulating by other tourist destinations of the country as well.

***

Ministry of Defence
16-January, 2017 17:21 IST
Coas Inspires Children from North East

As part of Operation SADBHAVANA, a National Integration Tour comprising of 20 school students from various schools of Imphal, West District of Manipur interacted with General Bipin Rawat, Chief of the Army Staff today. The Chief shared his experiences while serving in these areas with the students and motivated them to work hard and contribute actively to the Nation Building process. He inspired them to join the Indian Army, do well and serve the cause of the Nation. The Chief made all children understand the importance of peace and inspired children that they must spread the message and ensure that peace returns.

The tour was flagged off from Imphal on 5th of January. During the course of their tour, the participants visited various cultural and historical places in Delhi and Agra. The participants had the honour to meet the Hon’ble President of India on 14th January. The Children also met the Human Resource Development Minister on 10th January.

National Integration Tours are educational and motivational tours for school children, youth and local populace of J&K and North Eastern States, with an aim to provide an insight into the rich heritage of the country, various developmental and industry initiatives. Such visits present various career options to the children and are avidly sought by local children.

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Ministry of Finance
16-January, 2017 17:37 IST
India Signs Financing Agreement with World Bank for US$ 48 Million for “Nagaland Health Project”.



A financing agreement for IDA credit of US$ 48 million (equivalent) for the ‘Nagaland Health Project’ was signed with the World Bank here today. The Financing Agreement was signed by Mr. Raj Kumar, Joint Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs on behalf of Government of India and Mrs. Genevieve Connors, Acting Country Director, World Bank (India) on behalf of the World Bank. A Project Agreement was also signed by Dr. L. Watikala, Principal Director, Directorate of Health & Family Welfare, Government of Nagaland and Ms. Genevieve Connors, Acting Country Director, World Bank.

The Objectives of the project are to improve health services and increase their utilization by communities in targeted locations in Nagaland. Communities in targeted locations will benefit from project activities at the community and health facility levels while the population of the state as a whole will benefit from improvements in higher-level facilities as well as system-wide investments. The project will directly benefit about 600,000 people. It will support and complement existing systems and mechanisms involving communities under the National Health Mission.

The closing date of Nagaland health Project is 31st March, 2023.


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[Hindustani78]

The Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Shri Ashok Gajapathi Raju Pusapati inaugurating the DigiDhan Mela, in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh on January 20, 2017. The Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju is also seen.

The Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Shri Ashok Gajapathi Raju Pusapati visiting the DigiDhan Mela, in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh on January 20, 2017. The Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju is also seen.