Why Doctor's are manhandled?

August 16, 2007. Place: Longding, Tirap District. A group of youths barges into the official residence of Medical Officer of Community Health Centre (CHC) and physically assaults the medic and his wife.

August 25, 2007. Place: Pasighat. A group of local people physically manhandles the Deputy Director Health Services (T&R) who is also a Senior Surgeon.

These are not the two stray incidents where the medicos have been assaulted or manhandled but quite off and on there have been reports of medicos being manhandled and in some cases to the extent of putting their life to danger. And the medicos has come heavily on these two incidents and threatened to take democratic action in the event of failure of local authorities to nab the culprit.

"Condemning the two separate assaults on doctors on the 16^th and 25^th August last, the Arunachal Pradesh Doctors' Association (APDA) has said that if the local authorities of Longding and Pasighat (where the incidents occurred) do not take immediate and appropriate action to nab and punish the culprits, ApDA would be forced to take appropriate and democratic action of it's own."

-The Arunachal Front

I too strongly condemn these two incidents where the medicos, who renders selfless service to the society has been manhandled but the question that comes to mind is:

Why do such incidents occur? Why doctors are manhandled?

As the reason/motive behind manhandling/assault on the medicos in the above instances is not known (not reported in the media), let me try to reason out the circumstances leading to occurrence of such incidents. The reasoning is not comprehensive in nature but purely based on the circumstances that I've witnessed in these past years, leading to assault on doctors.

With simple-minded yet hot-tempered people, putting the medicos in a very high esteem almost equating them with God having the power to bring back dead to life, it is quite often being seen that it is not the person, who assaults the medicos, are at fault alone but to some extent the medicos are to be blamed too. The reasons for such instances could be varied-from communication gap to state of mind of the relative of patient to the lackadaisical attitude of medicos. To elaborate on my reasoning let me cite some situations that usually lead to assault on medicos.

Situation I: A terminally ill patient at the last stage is brought to hospital for which the doctor has not much to do and the patient dies. The relatives of the patient who had put their hopes on the medicos that the patient would be saved (as they think that the medicos has the power to bring back the dead to life) loose their cool and starts manhandling the medic putting the blame entirely on medic. Here neither the medic nor the relatives of the patient, who has very disturbed state of mind at that instant, are at fault but it is the communication gap between the patient party and the medic that is at fault.

Situation II: A patient is brought to the hospital needing emergent attention, but emergency medic is nowhere at sight. The staff nurse on duty is asked to locate the doctor. Staff nurse returns and tells that the doctor would be attending the patient in a while. But even after quite a time, doctor is nowhere at sight and the search for the doctor leads to finding of doctor on emergency duty playing carom with the colleagues. Obviously, this lackadaisical attitude of the doctor is enough to boil the patient party and to let their temper loose. And with the state of mind prevailing at that time and their lack of knowledge that the doctors can be sued under Section 2(1) (o) of CPA (Consumers Protection Act), 1986 for their negligence, they take the law into their own hands and starts assaulting the medic and here I guess, it is the lackadaisical attitude of the doctor and the ignorance of the patient towards CPA that has to be blamed.

These are just two situations among so many others that may lead people to assault the doctors. Here, the need of hour is to understand what usually leads to assault on medicos? We have to isolate such situations and try to address the issues properly. In case if a person feels that there has been negligence on the part of medicos, one should go to Consumers Court instead of manhandling the medicos and medicos on their part should try to reduce the communication gap between the patient and themselves and also should see to it that they are not negligent towards their duty. After all, a life of person is always at stake when some patient is brought to them. If both the people and medicos understand this, we may see quite a downfall in assault cases on medicos.

Why Doctor's are manhandled?

August 16, 2007. Place: Longding, Tirap District. A group of youths barges into the official residence of Medical Officer of Community Health Centre (CHC) and physically assaults the medic and his wife.

August 25, 2007. Place: Pasighat. A group of local people physically manhandles the Deputy Director Health Services (T&R) who is also a Senior Surgeon.

These are not the two stray incidents where the medicos have been assaulted or manhandled but quite off and on there have been reports of medicos being manhandled and in some cases to the extent of putting their life to danger. And the medicos has come heavily on these two incidents and threatened to take democratic action in the event of failure of local authorities to nab the culprit.

"Condemning the two separate assaults on doctors on the 16^th and 25^th August last, the Arunachal Pradesh Doctors' Association (APDA) has said that if the local authorities of Longding and Pasighat (where the incidents occurred) do not take immediate and appropriate action to nab and punish the culprits, ApDA would be forced to take appropriate and democratic action of it's own."

-The Arunachal Front

I too strongly condemn these two incidents where the medicos, who renders selfless service to the society has been manhandled but the question that comes to mind is:

Why do such incidents occur? Why doctors are manhandled?

As the reason/motive behind manhandling/assault on the medicos in the above instances is not known (not reported in the media), let me try to reason out the circumstances leading to occurrence of such incidents. The reasoning is not comprehensive in nature but purely based on the circumstances that I've witnessed in these past years, leading to assault on doctors.

With simple-minded yet hot-tempered people, putting the medicos in a very high esteem almost equating them with God having the power to bring back dead to life, it is quite often being seen that it is not the person, who assaults the medicos, are at fault alone but to some extent the medicos are to be blamed too. The reasons for such instances could be varied-from communication gap to state of mind of the relative of patient to the lackadaisical attitude of medicos. To elaborate on my reasoning let me cite some situations that usually lead to assault on medicos.

Situation I: A terminally ill patient at the last stage is brought to hospital for which the doctor has not much to do and the patient dies. The relatives of the patient who had put their hopes on the medicos that the patient would be saved (as they think that the medicos has the power to bring back the dead to life) loose their cool and starts manhandling the medic putting the blame entirely on medic. Here neither the medic nor the relatives of the patient, who has very disturbed state of mind at that instant, are at fault but it is the communication gap between the patient party and the medic that is at fault.

Situation II: A patient is brought to the hospital needing emergent attention, but emergency medic is nowhere at sight. The staff nurse on duty is asked to locate the doctor. Staff nurse returns and tells that the doctor would be attending the patient in a while. But even after quite a time, doctor is nowhere at sight and the search for the doctor leads to finding of doctor on emergency duty playing carom with the colleagues. Obviously, this lackadaisical attitude of the doctor is enough to boil the patient party and to let their temper loose. And with the state of mind prevailing at that time and their lack of knowledge that the doctors can be sued under Section 2(1) (o) of CPA (Consumers Protection Act), 1986 for their negligence, they take the law into their own hands and starts assaulting the medic and here I guess, it is the lackadaisical attitude of the doctor and the ignorance of the patient towards CPA that has to be blamed.

These are just two situations among so many others that may lead people to assault the doctors. Here, the need of hour is to understand what usually leads to assault on medicos? We have to isolate such situations and try to address the issues properly. In case if a person feels that there has been negligence on the part of medicos, one should go to Consumers Court instead of manhandling the medicos and medicos on their part should try to reduce the communication gap between the patient and themselves and also should see to it that they are not negligent towards their duty. After all, a life of person is always at stake when some patient is brought to them. If both the people and medicos understand this, we may see quite a downfall in assault cases on medicos.

Who the hell cares?

a quick glimpse at corruption in Arunachal

-by Roto Chobin

Until a few years ago, corruption particularly in the job market is unheard of. But by the end of twentieth century, it has taken a shape of epidemic form in Arunachal. And the rot is so deep-rooted that I can see no way out. As of now, according to BBC report, Arunachal is most corrupted state in Indian subcontinent. If we look for the reasons that engender the corruption, the first and foremost thing that comes to mind is the absence of industrial development and private enterprise. For most of the people in the state, enterprise means retail shop - to rent a premise and pile it up with couple of stuff here and some more stuff there. Lo and behold! You have become an entrepreneur in hinterland called Arunachal Pradesh. And having said that I cannot disaffirm the Hobson’s choice we have been offered. Even if one wishes to make a foray as an entrepreneur, there’s virtually no fund at all to help the person with perfect credentials except “the deficient Prime Minister Rozgar Yojana (PMRY) fund”. Who gets the PMRY loan and how the beneficiary uses it - is another story. Under the PMRY scheme, a person is granted a loan of Rs. 100, 000/- (1 lakh) through State Bank of India for which a person has to produce more than a dozen document. Earlier a person could take a loan up to Rs. 200, 000/- (2 lakhs), but this provision had been scrapped from this scheme since long. So when everything is attained, we think and assume that the beneficiary will get a sum of Rs. 100,000 and would start a new career. But it wasn’t so as one of the PMRY beneficiaries told me that the bank staffs normally deduct some money for processing the loan. My head spun. So, I asked, “How much did you get then?” “Around 80 grand if I don’t subtract the travel and other expenses” he told me and added “with this amount one cannot even think of starting a business properly. I don’t want to add up another grocery store to existed multitudes of grocery shop. I regretted taking this loan.” I told him that at least he was lucky to get it. I reminded him of hundreds and hundreds of graduates and post graduates student who is languishing without aid. I believe, most of us don’t ever hear of any other fund aside from PMRY if any. If the politician of our state had any concern for young generation, they could have arranged and set aside a fund from Apex Bank of Arunachal. But what they did was – to swindle the depositor and approving a grant of loan (since the dealings in Arunachal do not materialize until the minister nod in agreement) to their relatives and henchmen, and ultimately they made the bank defunct. Moreover, instead of recovering the bad loan from defaulter, they begged money to revive Apex Bank. The NHPC provided two hundred and twenty five crores of rupees to state government for this purpose (see also Revival Package for Apex Bank…… ) which seemed to me as the NHPC with this money has put a yoke on Arunachal. With no option opened to educated class, the scores of people rushed and still rushing towards service sector to join government job.

As a result, the demand for the government job has soared very high. Now, for every vacant post, there are uncountable candidate who vie for job. Paradoxically; in past years, circa 1951, I’m told that there used to be plethora of job but the workforce were so scarce that the people from Apatani villages were coerced to work for government against their will as it happened while leveling a land for an airfield at Old Ziro. Even in the eighties, jobs were given merely by seeing the pass certificate from high school and it lasted until around 1996. Then, before one could say Jack Robinson, the picture of job scenario started to look grim and entire job opportunities went into hibernation. And it instantly appears as the economic liberalization of 1990s was the cause, but it wasn’t. The liberalization, privatization and globalization of economy have little to do with Arunachal, its government and their machinery. I was in the final year at college when Arunachal Pradesh Civil Services (APCS) advertised some administrative job in 1996 which was to resurface after a lapse of six years in 2001. I dare not to apply for second time - for fear of parting with my hard earned pocket-money. Later on, I heard so many malicious tales about the exam that I thanked God profusely for sparing me the exam. Whatever the fact may be, they (APCS) still owe me my money that I sent to them during my college days in the form of Indian Postal Order (IPO). Similarly, three years ago, I applied for the vacant post that was advertised by Civil Secretariat in the local daily. I remitted my entire photocopied academic certificate with attestation (attestation of your certificate by gazette officer [sic] is a must in Arunachal if, by any chance, you’re applying for a job in Arunachal) from first class officer, passport size photograph and the fee as well. But I was never intimated regarding the interview they were supposed to conduct nor did I hear anything about rescheduling or cancellation of that interview. It seemed to me as if they had duped me again. Not only me, but thousand of candidates out there. I possibly had gave Rs. 45/- as examination fee. And perhaps there were more than thousand aspirants who applied for that post. So if we multiply 1000 by 45, the figure we get is 45,000 which mean we have been robbed of Rs. 45,000 before our very eyes. There could be many more such scam that had managed to give my eyes a slip. Besides, no one opposed, and life goes on.

At present, working in a government department is being seen as part of privileged and fortunate class. Hence, everyone wants to have a share of cake. Why? I suppose, the security of monthly salary in government job is secondary things for most. The government job is so tempting because of the power that comes with government job. With prestige and power comes a helluva lot of money in Arunachal, especially for engineering department. But the nepotism (sifarish, as they say in Hindustani language) plays a pivotal role in the process of gobbling up the jobs. And the deserving candidature often lay off in this process which, I think, will affect the functioning of administration sooner or later in the entire state. I am least worried about the brilliant and talented student; as they will find a niche for themselves one way or other. So what should the not-so-deserving candidature do? Grease the palm of bureaucrat at top echelon and politician, of course. Thus, the people are ready to cough up a huge amount of money even for some lowly position. In doing so, they prompt corruption and take it to a new height, and they themselves sink deep down in the quagmire of corruption - become a part of vicious circle - where they in turn want to regain their money manifold and quickly by resorting to fradulent, easy and corrupt means. I came across quite a few people who pawn their little belongings for money - to pass on as kickbacks to authorities. The kickbacks could be anywhere from Rs. 300,000 (three lakhs) to Rs.1, 200,000 (twelve lakhs). I'm afraid the demand and supply of kickbacks will go higher and higher in near future.

Everyone including our politician is aware of the rot and unequivocally speaks of curbing and eliminating it. Even Mr. Dorjee Khandu, chief minister of Arunachal, has been speaking of corruption-free state and abolishing the corruption in the state. I don’t know how. He didn’t say how. If he really apprehends the rot around him, he himself had to come clean and set an example for his ministers, and then incarcerates (Has the proposed jail been built? Maybe, Arunachal is the only state in India that doesn’t have a jail) all those from clerk to top bureaucrat and politician who is gorging themselves on fund meant for infrastructural development. To preach is easy – nowadays, even a five year old kid can give a lecture on corruption and how it affects our lives. Moreover, the ministers (politicians) are in no position to preach to us about corruption. Do you think the central government should be allowed to wash their hands from these sordid businesses? I don’t think so. I have accused the central government in my previous article (What is the cost of Arunachal?) for fattening the coffer of ministers and their enforcement arms. And I will accuse them over again and again as long as they will not monitor how the money (remnants, though), pumped from central government, is used in Arunachal Pradesh. Doesn’t it indicate that the politicians are being allowed to plunder freely? And then, there is ‘us’ who instead of opposing these mal-practices take refuge in oft-repeated phrase – “corruption is a way of life.” And ‘some’ would go too far to show admiration and respect as if the bribe-takers are not a criminal but a hero. In a way, we are becoming more and more reconciled to the corrupt state of affairs. As a result, there’s no more fear, and ghastly deeds are committed openly albeit a little shamefacedly. Let me cite an instance; last year, in November, I went to DIPRO office to collect the temporary permission to publish ZIRO MIRROR. A lady who was holding my letter asked me for largesse. It stunned me for a moment. I asked her, “Didn’t you get a salary?” After a while, I told her that letter she had in her hand is a permission to write and report the public of irregularity. And I could write about her and the incident. She went red in the face and handed me my permit.

The corruption in job-market is just the tip of the iceberg but as massive as other bureaucratic and political corruption. The menace of corruption is here to stay unless people at all level stop glorifying bribe-takers as a hero. Moreover, if we ceased to be dependent wholly on the government, and if trained personnel like engineer and doctor would start their own workshops and business. That may not bring an end to the menace of corruption, but that could certainly break the immunity of the people at the top echelon. Who knows! It may bring the corruption to an end in the long run. The future (to build or ruin the society) is in our hands.

Who the hell cares?

a quick glimpse at corruption in Arunachal

-by Roto Chobin

Until a few years ago, corruption particularly in the job market is unheard of. But by the end of twentieth century, it has taken a shape of epidemic form in Arunachal. And the rot is so deep-rooted that I can see no way out. As of now, according to BBC report, Arunachal is most corrupted state in Indian subcontinent. If we look for the reasons that engender the corruption, the first and foremost thing that comes to mind is the absence of industrial development and private enterprise. For most of the people in the state, enterprise means retail shop - to rent a premise and pile it up with couple of stuff here and some more stuff there. Lo and behold! You have become an entrepreneur in hinterland called Arunachal Pradesh. And having said that I cannot disaffirm the Hobson’s choice we have been offered. Even if one wishes to make a foray as an entrepreneur, there’s virtually no fund at all to help the person with perfect credentials except “the deficient Prime Minister Rozgar Yojana (PMRY) fund”. Who gets the PMRY loan and how the beneficiary uses it - is another story. Under the PMRY scheme, a person is granted a loan of Rs. 100, 000/- (1 lakh) through State Bank of India for which a person has to produce more than a dozen document. Earlier a person could take a loan up to Rs. 200, 000/- (2 lakhs), but this provision had been scrapped from this scheme since long. So when everything is attained, we think and assume that the beneficiary will get a sum of Rs. 100,000 and would start a new career. But it wasn’t so as one of the PMRY beneficiaries told me that the bank staffs normally deduct some money for processing the loan. My head spun. So, I asked, “How much did you get then?” “Around 80 grand if I don’t subtract the travel and other expenses” he told me and added “with this amount one cannot even think of starting a business properly. I don’t want to add up another grocery store to existed multitudes of grocery shop. I regretted taking this loan.” I told him that at least he was lucky to get it. I reminded him of hundreds and hundreds of graduates and post graduates student who is languishing without aid. I believe, most of us don’t ever hear of any other fund aside from PMRY if any. If the politician of our state had any concern for young generation, they could have arranged and set aside a fund from Apex Bank of Arunachal. But what they did was – to swindle the depositor and approving a grant of loan (since the dealings in Arunachal do not materialize until the minister nod in agreement) to their relatives and henchmen, and ultimately they made the bank defunct. Moreover, instead of recovering the bad loan from defaulter, they begged money to revive Apex Bank. The NHPC provided two hundred and twenty five crores of rupees to state government for this purpose (see also Revival Package for Apex Bank…… ) which seemed to me as the NHPC with this money has put a yoke on Arunachal. With no option opened to educated class, the scores of people rushed and still rushing towards service sector to join government job.

As a result, the demand for the government job has soared very high. Now, for every vacant post, there are uncountable candidate who vie for job. Paradoxically; in past years, circa 1951, I’m told that there used to be plethora of job but the workforce were so scarce that the people from Apatani villages were coerced to work for government against their will as it happened while leveling a land for an airfield at Old Ziro. Even in the eighties, jobs were given merely by seeing the pass certificate from high school and it lasted until around 1996. Then, before one could say Jack Robinson, the picture of job scenario started to look grim and entire job opportunities went into hibernation. And it instantly appears as the economic liberalization of 1990s was the cause, but it wasn’t. The liberalization, privatization and globalization of economy have little to do with Arunachal, its government and their machinery. I was in the final year at college when Arunachal Pradesh Civil Services (APCS) advertised some administrative job in 1996 which was to resurface after a lapse of six years in 2001. I dare not to apply for second time - for fear of parting with my hard earned pocket-money. Later on, I heard so many malicious tales about the exam that I thanked God profusely for sparing me the exam. Whatever the fact may be, they (APCS) still owe me my money that I sent to them during my college days in the form of Indian Postal Order (IPO). Similarly, three years ago, I applied for the vacant post that was advertised by Civil Secretariat in the local daily. I remitted my entire photocopied academic certificate with attestation (attestation of your certificate by gazette officer [sic] is a must in Arunachal if, by any chance, you’re applying for a job in Arunachal) from first class officer, passport size photograph and the fee as well. But I was never intimated regarding the interview they were supposed to conduct nor did I hear anything about rescheduling or cancellation of that interview. It seemed to me as if they had duped me again. Not only me, but thousand of candidates out there. I possibly had gave Rs. 45/- as examination fee. And perhaps there were more than thousand aspirants who applied for that post. So if we multiply 1000 by 45, the figure we get is 45,000 which mean we have been robbed of Rs. 45,000 before our very eyes. There could be many more such scam that had managed to give my eyes a slip. Besides, no one opposed, and life goes on.

At present, working in a government department is being seen as part of privileged and fortunate class. Hence, everyone wants to have a share of cake. Why? I suppose, the security of monthly salary in government job is secondary things for most. The government job is so tempting because of the power that comes with government job. With prestige and power comes a helluva lot of money in Arunachal, especially for engineering department. But the nepotism (sifarish, as they say in Hindustani language) plays a pivotal role in the process of gobbling up the jobs. And the deserving candidature often lay off in this process which, I think, will affect the functioning of administration sooner or later in the entire state. I am least worried about the brilliant and talented student; as they will find a niche for themselves one way or other. So what should the not-so-deserving candidature do? Grease the palm of bureaucrat at top echelon and politician, of course. Thus, the people are ready to cough up a huge amount of money even for some lowly position. In doing so, they prompt corruption and take it to a new height, and they themselves sink deep down in the quagmire of corruption - become a part of vicious circle - where they in turn want to regain their money manifold and quickly by resorting to fradulent, easy and corrupt means. I came across quite a few people who pawn their little belongings for money - to pass on as kickbacks to authorities. The kickbacks could be anywhere from Rs. 300,000 (three lakhs) to Rs.1, 200,000 (twelve lakhs). I'm afraid the demand and supply of kickbacks will go higher and higher in near future.

Everyone including our politician is aware of the rot and unequivocally speaks of curbing and eliminating it. Even Mr. Dorjee Khandu, chief minister of Arunachal, has been speaking of corruption-free state and abolishing the corruption in the state. I don’t know how. He didn’t say how. If he really apprehends the rot around him, he himself had to come clean and set an example for his ministers, and then incarcerates (Has the proposed jail been built? Maybe, Arunachal is the only state in India that doesn’t have a jail) all those from clerk to top bureaucrat and politician who is gorging themselves on fund meant for infrastructural development. To preach is easy – nowadays, even a five year old kid can give a lecture on corruption and how it affects our lives. Moreover, the ministers (politicians) are in no position to preach to us about corruption. Do you think the central government should be allowed to wash their hands from these sordid businesses? I don’t think so. I have accused the central government in my previous article (What is the cost of Arunachal?) for fattening the coffer of ministers and their enforcement arms. And I will accuse them over again and again as long as they will not monitor how the money (remnants, though), pumped from central government, is used in Arunachal Pradesh. Doesn’t it indicate that the politicians are being allowed to plunder freely? And then, there is ‘us’ who instead of opposing these mal-practices take refuge in oft-repeated phrase – “corruption is a way of life.” And ‘some’ would go too far to show admiration and respect as if the bribe-takers are not a criminal but a hero. In a way, we are becoming more and more reconciled to the corrupt state of affairs. As a result, there’s no more fear, and ghastly deeds are committed openly albeit a little shamefacedly. Let me cite an instance; last year, in November, I went to DIPRO office to collect the temporary permission to publish ZIRO MIRROR. A lady who was holding my letter asked me for largesse. It stunned me for a moment. I asked her, “Didn’t you get a salary?” After a while, I told her that letter she had in her hand is a permission to write and report the public of irregularity. And I could write about her and the incident. She went red in the face and handed me my permit.

The corruption in job-market is just the tip of the iceberg but as massive as other bureaucratic and political corruption. The menace of corruption is here to stay unless people at all level stop glorifying bribe-takers as a hero. Moreover, if we ceased to be dependent wholly on the government, and if trained personnel like engineer and doctor would start their own workshops and business. That may not bring an end to the menace of corruption, but that could certainly break the immunity of the people at the top echelon. Who knows! It may bring the corruption to an end in the long run. The future (to build or ruin the society) is in our hands.

A Volcanic Activity or…..? (Updated)

The recent unexplained geological activity near Kimin has taken everyone by surprise- from natives of the place to passer by (those traveling to and from Ziro to North Lakhimpur and Itanagar) to geologists alike.

It was reported that at a mountain 7 km from Kimin towards Ziro, activity similar to volcanic eruption i.e., expulsion of hot gases and lava like substances accompanied by frequent explosion had started on August 21^st night which finally subsided by 24^th leaving behind 2 & ½ meter wide crater-creating enough curiosity for the natives, passer by and the experts to throng to the site.

The natives are terming this unusual natural phenomenon as ‘Chigum Karli’-eruption or shooting of lava from inside the earth while the experts has diverse opinion about this phenomenon-right from outright rejecting any possibility of volcanic activity in the region to fumarolic activity to not ruling out any possibility of volcanic activity till the test analysis report is available. Yes, sample has been sent to Kolkata for detailed analysis so as to ascertain this unnatural phenomenon.

So, till final test analysis is available it won’t be certain if Kimin is sitting right over the Volcanic hot-bed or if the recent geological activity was any indication of Volcanic activity? Or as some experts feel, if it was just another fumarolic activity?

Update (31-08-2007): In an NETV report appearing today, geologist of Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, where the sample was sent for analysis, has concluded after intensive test of the sample that the geological activity witnessed on August 21^st last was not a volcanic activity.

A Review of the year gone by-Cho’s Take

Quite well before the anniversary of this blog, Cho offered to do a special post on the anniversary of this blog i.e., 7^th of August. There was no reason I could deny. But owing to his pre-occupation, he couldn’t complete his post on time and finally today, after 22^nd day into anniversary he submitted his post to be published.

On going through his post, I was quite flattered by what he thought about the blog but it put me in a dilemma whether I should publish his post or not. If published, it would be almost akin to blowing one’s own trumpet and elevating one’s own ego and if not, I’d be turning away from my word. Thinking that sometimes, an ego boosting is needed (I'm human too) ;), I opted to keep my word instead. So here it is, unedited.

The dawn of hope

by Roto Chobin

Three years ago; we, a group of friend (five of us, to be exact) would gather round in the evening as there was nothing much to do in a small and sleepy town like Ziro. The meeting-place, most of the time, would be my parent’s home. And we would discuss elaborately on every issue we could think of over a cup of black tea. But, generally, we would raise the issue of anomalies and the transitions that are taking place in our society. Sometimes our discussion would get too hot that it would turn into argument. At times, I would asked myself if I had offended anyone unintentionally but my notion always proved to be wrong as in the next day our discussion will continue with renewed enthusiasm. I cannot say for my friends, but I had become a bit depressed in course of time. I was depressed because our discussion made me realize how our state was going under the bog by leaps and bounds. It was nudging me to do something rather than preaching about utopia. And I didn’t know what. It seemed to me that there was nothing I could do to make the people aware of wrongdoings of vermin, let alone change. And the vermin were at large. They still are. It was then I started thinking of putting my thought into action – to find an outlet for my frustration. As the days goes by, the outlet comes in the form of ZIRO MIRROR magazine. Meanwhile, ‘AG’ asked me my opinion about starting a website. I thought, perhaps AG too is following my line of thinking. I was pessimist about owning our own site though. First, I was planning to launch my periodical as earliest as I could. Second, I had no idea how one could generate income through web hosting and pay for the domain. Besides, I believed that the magazine (print media) is more potent medium in our province than the internet as few people in Arunachal have access to an internet. Accordingly, the message could reach faster and spread widely – the more the merrier. With that thought in my mind, I forgot all about AG’s proposal. But two months after the launch of my magazine, I suffered fiasco. Consequently, I have grown to be more immune to action and reaction. And by that time, AG had already converted his plan into reality – arunachaldiary.blogspot.com.

I have heard so many vile tales about blogs and its “terror and hate” messages that I even feared to log on to blogging sites. And the authorities bid to crack down on bloggers which appeared in some national journal in July, 2006 had me thinking that one could be incarcerated and thrown into jail anytime if their site were black listed. But when I personally visited some blogger sites, my opinion about the blogs changed. I notice so many things in a blog that even journalists fail to report and in some cases the article/essay published in blog were much better written than the illustrious columnist that occupies space in a popular magazine and newspaper. I wonder why the blog site should be stemmed when it could be really beneficial for authorities or government if they are ready to take criticism and learn from it. Anyway, I don’t remember when my first piece appeared in arunachal diary but thanks to you, AG, if it is not for you and your site I might have gave up my writing a long time ago. Within a year, arunachal diary has gone from strength to strength. It has become world-class – mind you, I am not exaggerating. Then you have a regular visitor, Buru and Tanii gal (I am curious about their true identity), whose mere comments is full of remarkable insight and inspiring too. Further, readership is steadily rising day in day out. At times, when I see local dailies it seemed even they are turning to “arunachal diary” for help. And it could be possible. So, who knows, arunachal diary will become a harbinger of dawn for the people of Arunachal in the days to come. Time alone will tell. Happy Anniversary!

A Volcanic Activity or…..? (Updated)

The recent unexplained geological activity near Kimin has taken everyone by surprise- from natives of the place to passer by (those traveling to and from Ziro to North Lakhimpur and Itanagar) to geologists alike.

It was reported that at a mountain 7 km from Kimin towards Ziro, activity similar to volcanic eruption i.e., expulsion of hot gases and lava like substances accompanied by frequent explosion had started on August 21^st night which finally subsided by 24^th leaving behind 2 & ½ meter wide crater-creating enough curiosity for the natives, passer by and the experts to throng to the site.

The natives are terming this unusual natural phenomenon as ‘Chigum Karli’-eruption or shooting of lava from inside the earth while the experts has diverse opinion about this phenomenon-right from outright rejecting any possibility of volcanic activity in the region to fumarolic activity to not ruling out any possibility of volcanic activity till the test analysis report is available. Yes, sample has been sent to Kolkata for detailed analysis so as to ascertain this unnatural phenomenon.

So, till final test analysis is available it won’t be certain if Kimin is sitting right over the Volcanic hot-bed or if the recent geological activity was any indication of Volcanic activity? Or as some experts feel, if it was just another fumarolic activity?

Update (31-08-2007): In an NETV report appearing today, geologist of Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, where the sample was sent for analysis, has concluded after intensive test of the sample that the geological activity witnessed on August 21^st last was not a volcanic activity.

A Review of the year gone by-Cho’s Take

Quite well before the anniversary of this blog, Cho offered to do a special post on the anniversary of this blog i.e., 7^th of August. There was no reason I could deny. But owing to his pre-occupation, he couldn’t complete his post on time and finally today, after 22^nd day into anniversary he submitted his post to be published.

On going through his post, I was quite flattered by what he thought about the blog but it put me in a dilemma whether I should publish his post or not. If published, it would be almost akin to blowing one’s own trumpet and elevating one’s own ego and if not, I’d be turning away from my word. Thinking that sometimes, an ego boosting is needed (I'm human too) ;), I opted to keep my word instead. So here it is, unedited.

The dawn of hope

by Roto Chobin

Three years ago; we, a group of friend (five of us, to be exact) would gather round in the evening as there was nothing much to do in a small and sleepy town like Ziro. The meeting-place, most of the time, would be my parent’s home. And we would discuss elaborately on every issue we could think of over a cup of black tea. But, generally, we would raise the issue of anomalies and the transitions that are taking place in our society. Sometimes our discussion would get too hot that it would turn into argument. At times, I would asked myself if I had offended anyone unintentionally but my notion always proved to be wrong as in the next day our discussion will continue with renewed enthusiasm. I cannot say for my friends, but I had become a bit depressed in course of time. I was depressed because our discussion made me realize how our state was going under the bog by leaps and bounds. It was nudging me to do something rather than preaching about utopia. And I didn’t know what. It seemed to me that there was nothing I could do to make the people aware of wrongdoings of vermin, let alone change. And the vermin were at large. They still are. It was then I started thinking of putting my thought into action – to find an outlet for my frustration. As the days goes by, the outlet comes in the form of ZIRO MIRROR magazine. Meanwhile, ‘AG’ asked me my opinion about starting a website. I thought, perhaps AG too is following my line of thinking. I was pessimist about owning our own site though. First, I was planning to launch my periodical as earliest as I could. Second, I had no idea how one could generate income through web hosting and pay for the domain. Besides, I believed that the magazine (print media) is more potent medium in our province than the internet as few people in Arunachal have access to an internet. Accordingly, the message could reach faster and spread widely – the more the merrier. With that thought in my mind, I forgot all about AG’s proposal. But two months after the launch of my magazine, I suffered fiasco. Consequently, I have grown to be more immune to action and reaction. And by that time, AG had already converted his plan into reality – arunachaldiary.blogspot.com.

I have heard so many vile tales about blogs and its “terror and hate” messages that I even feared to log on to blogging sites. And the authorities bid to crack down on bloggers which appeared in some national journal in July, 2006 had me thinking that one could be incarcerated and thrown into jail anytime if their site were black listed. But when I personally visited some blogger sites, my opinion about the blogs changed. I notice so many things in a blog that even journalists fail to report and in some cases the article/essay published in blog were much better written than the illustrious columnist that occupies space in a popular magazine and newspaper. I wonder why the blog site should be stemmed when it could be really beneficial for authorities or government if they are ready to take criticism and learn from it. Anyway, I don’t remember when my first piece appeared in arunachal diary but thanks to you, AG, if it is not for you and your site I might have gave up my writing a long time ago. Within a year, arunachal diary has gone from strength to strength. It has become world-class – mind you, I am not exaggerating. Then you have a regular visitor, Buru and Tanii gal (I am curious about their true identity), whose mere comments is full of remarkable insight and inspiring too. Further, readership is steadily rising day in day out. At times, when I see local dailies it seemed even they are turning to “arunachal diary” for help. And it could be possible. So, who knows, arunachal diary will become a harbinger of dawn for the people of Arunachal in the days to come. Time alone will tell. Happy Anniversary!

Is Arunachal heading towards free, just and unbiased press media?

In a state, where only two local dailies viz., The Arunachal Times and Echo of Arunachal are ruling the roost in providing news item to the people of the state via print media, incarnation of English Weekly -Arunachal Front to English Daily on 20^th of August was a welcome change, for the other two had almost become a mouthpiece to some political party (read the ruling party).

Unlike its counterparts whose contents are wrapped in 6 pages, the inaugural issue of Arunachal Front carried well laid out contents in 12 pages and at same price. However, the subsequent issues carried only 8-pages. But, nevertheless, contents looked promising and better than those of the counterparts. The paper aspires to provide a base for homogenous public opinion on important issues for State’s development vis-à-vis nation building. So, should I presume quality reporting is in the offing and the state heading towards unbiased reporting?

With government committed to freedom of press (“The freedom of Press must be honoured and there should be no interference from any quarter”, Dorjee Khandu, CM of Arunachal) and the commitment of Arunachal Front to look after and creation of platform for public opinion, gearing up of governance through constant vigilance and the will to expose the diversified potential of the State, it is only hoped that the paper would do quality and impartial reporting devoid of any political influence and carry the state towards free, just and impartial press media. Or would it end up just being another mouthpiece of some political party?

Is Arunachal heading towards free, just and unbiased press media?

In a state, where only two local dailies viz., The Arunachal Times and Echo of Arunachal are ruling the roost in providing news item to the people of the state via print media, incarnation of English Weekly -Arunachal Front to English Daily on 20^th of August was a welcome change, for the other two had almost become a mouthpiece to some political party (read the ruling party).

Unlike its counterparts whose contents are wrapped in 6 pages, the inaugural issue of Arunachal Front carried well laid out contents in 12 pages and at same price. However, the subsequent issues carried only 8-pages. But, nevertheless, contents looked promising and better than those of the counterparts. The paper aspires to provide a base for homogenous public opinion on important issues for State’s development vis-à-vis nation building. So, should I presume quality reporting is in the offing and the state heading towards unbiased reporting?

With government committed to freedom of press (“The freedom of Press must be honoured and there should be no interference from any quarter”, Dorjee Khandu, CM of Arunachal) and the commitment of Arunachal Front to look after and creation of platform for public opinion, gearing up of governance through constant vigilance and the will to expose the diversified potential of the State, it is only hoped that the paper would do quality and impartial reporting devoid of any political influence and carry the state towards free, just and impartial press media. Or would it end up just being another mouthpiece of some political party?

Revamping of law & order machinery

Seems like the 12hr Bandh called jointly by Ziro Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ZCCI), Hapoli Bazaar Committee and Old Ziro Market Committee on 13^th, demanding restoration of Law and Order situation at Hapoli-Ziro Township has jostled the administration and made them to take note of the prevailing law and order situation in this twin township.

In a meeting convened between the district administration, police and representatives of Hapoli Bazaar Committee, Ziro Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ZCCI), Old Ziro Market Committee and Apatani Students’ Union (ASU), Lower Subansiri Deputy Commissioner Ms. Sadhana Deori announced revamping of Law and Order enforcing machinery in Hapoli, Old Ziro in particular and entire district as a whole. The strategy for revamping law and order enforcing machinery includes:

1. Prohibition of carrying of dao (sword).
2. Intensive patrolling by police and magistrate during the night hours.
3. Checking movement of drunkards on the road.
4. Ban on dice play.
5. Maintenance of streetlights and
6. Opening of police beats and outposts.

Good for the people and the administration but would it indeed help in maintaining law and order in this twin township of Hapoli and Ziro? I’ve my doubts in its effectiveness, though. It’s not new that there is a ban on dice play, patrolling by police at night and presence of police beat posts. But innocents have been manhandled by police patrolling at night while anti-social elements let free. Murder has been committed right under the nose of beat post at Gandhi Market. So, it has to be seen if the law and order enforcing machineries are able to deliver their duties sincerely so as to make this twin-township safer to stay or if this entire exercise just becomes short time pacifier to the agitating denizens of the twin township of Ziro-Hapoli.

Revamping of law & order machinery

Seems like the 12hr Bandh called jointly by Ziro Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ZCCI), Hapoli Bazaar Committee and Old Ziro Market Committee on 13^th, demanding restoration of Law and Order situation at Hapoli-Ziro Township has jostled the administration and made them to take note of the prevailing law and order situation in this twin township.

In a meeting convened between the district administration, police and representatives of Hapoli Bazaar Committee, Ziro Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ZCCI), Old Ziro Market Committee and Apatani Students’ Union (ASU), Lower Subansiri Deputy Commissioner Ms. Sadhana Deori announced revamping of Law and Order enforcing machinery in Hapoli, Old Ziro in particular and entire district as a whole. The strategy for revamping law and order enforcing machinery includes:

1. Prohibition of carrying of dao (sword).
2. Intensive patrolling by police and magistrate during the night hours.
3. Checking movement of drunkards on the road.
4. Ban on dice play.
5. Maintenance of streetlights and
6. Opening of police beats and outposts.

Good for the people and the administration but would it indeed help in maintaining law and order in this twin township of Hapoli and Ziro? I’ve my doubts in its effectiveness, though. It’s not new that there is a ban on dice play, patrolling by police at night and presence of police beat posts. But innocents have been manhandled by police patrolling at night while anti-social elements let free. Murder has been committed right under the nose of beat post at Gandhi Market. So, it has to be seen if the law and order enforcing machineries are able to deliver their duties sincerely so as to make this twin-township safer to stay or if this entire exercise just becomes short time pacifier to the agitating denizens of the twin township of Ziro-Hapoli.

Financial Health of the State

This was what the ‘White Paper’ on outstanding debt and debt servicing liabilities of the state as on 31^st March 2007, released during the Independence Day by the government, had to say:

1. Central Government debt = Rs. 463.62 Crores
2. Internal debt including market borrowings and small savings loan from National Small Savings Fund = Rs. 1340.86 Crores
3. General Provident Fund and Employees’ Group Insurance Fund = Rs. 531.92 Crores

Total outstanding debt and debt servicing liabilities = Rs. 2336.40 Crores

Phew, isn’t that huge chunk of money! With no clear revenue source in sight, how the government envisage to clear the debt? And without any significant development at sight, I wonder where has the central assistance of Rs. 4172.58 Crores (i.e., 90% grant component to the state, if Rs. 463.62 crores is the 10% loan component) been utilized? Now I guess I know where all the Central Assistance in the form of 90% grant goes. Debt servicing, of course!

Financial Health of the State

This was what the ‘White Paper’ on outstanding debt and debt servicing liabilities of the state as on 31^st March 2007, released during the Independence Day by the government, had to say:

1. Central Government debt = Rs. 463.62 Crores
2. Internal debt including market borrowings and small savings loan from National Small Savings Fund = Rs. 1340.86 Crores
3. General Provident Fund and Employees’ Group Insurance Fund = Rs. 531.92 Crores

Total outstanding debt and debt servicing liabilities = Rs. 2336.40 Crores

Phew, isn’t that huge chunk of money! With no clear revenue source in sight, how the government envisage to clear the debt? And without any significant development at sight, I wonder where has the central assistance of Rs. 4172.58 Crores (i.e., 90% grant component to the state, if Rs. 463.62 crores is the 10% loan component) been utilized? Now I guess I know where all the Central Assistance in the form of 90% grant goes. Debt servicing, of course!

Tawang -Through Govind's Lens

Here are some marvellous photos of Tawang shared by Govind Singh of Delhi Greens.

Find more of Tawang photos shot by Govind here.

Detection and Deportation of ‘Illegal Immigrants’-Whose responsibility?

Why is that, there occurs a need for the students’ union or for that matter any other organization or body to step into the shoes of authorities to carry out the work that normally the administration would have been doing? Take for instance the recent ‘Operation Clean Drive’ carried out by the Apex Students’ body of the state AAPSU (All Arunachal Pradesh Students Union) to flush out illegal migrants (read Bangladeshi) from the state. The initiative of the students’ union resulted in driving out more than 5000 illegal migrants from the Capital Complex alone. In doing so, the students union has been alleged of harassing the bonafide Indian Citizen having valid ILP (Inner Line Permit) and resulted in repercussion from the displaced migrants in the form of attack on people of Arunachal traveling at Assam road (unfortunately, one has to traverse through Assam, to move from one district to another at Arunachal Pradesh), political turmoil at Assam owing to mass exodus of illegal migrants from Arunachal Pradesh to Assam, with opposition parties demanding Tarun Gogoi government to deport these ‘foreign nationals’ and not to patronage them and even possible terrorist threat in the Capital Complex. Wasn’t it the duty of administration to detect and deport the illegal migrants rather than the Students’ body?

And when AAPSU announced second phase of ‘Operation Clean Drive’ from August 17^th, it made me wonder, would the Government still sit idle and not step in to check the illegal immigrant? Is it enough just to make the issuance of ILP stricter without properly manning the entry gate? Sometimes, I feel all this entry formality in the form of ILP is just a joke. Greasing the palms of personnel at the entry gate one can easily gain access into Arunachal Pradesh, and this is a known fact among the people of Arunachal. It [ILP] has become a tool just for fattening the pockets of those manning the entry point/gates and a deterrent to potential tourists and investors rather than what it was devised for.

But it seems the administration has risen from deep slumber and finally owned up that it’s their responsibility and not the Students’ organization to detect and deport the illegal immigrants.

“Papum Pare deputy commissioner Bidol Tayeng, in a letter to AAPSU convenor Kamta Lapung stated that detecting a foreigner or a person without valid inner-line permit was a routine duty of the government. The student organisation could only bring anomalies to the notice of the government.”

Read full story here.

Further, Papum Pare Deputy Commissioner, Bidol Tayeng, has asserted that the proposed second phase of Operation Clean Drive from August 17^th would not be allowed to be carried out, terming that if allowed, it would be tantamount to running a parallel administration by the students.

Rightly said; had the administration sensed it earlier and had done their duty sincerely, this situation wouldn’t have aroused at the first place and the students’ community wouldn’t have stepped in. The Arunachalee commuters wouldn’t have been manhandled at Assam and may be with better co-ordination between the Arunachal Pradesh and Assam governments, the deportation of illegal migrants could have been carried out much better without any political turmoil in the neighbouring state.

Now, it is only hoped that the administration and the government who has realized their mistake, though lately, would do their duties sincerely. That ILP wouldn’t just remain as minting machine for the personnel at the entry point and deterrent to the potential tourists and investors which could contribute to the economy of the state. In that case, what I feel is, it would be better-off with ILP-at least then, there would be free flow of economy to and from the state.

Tawang -Through Govind's Lens

Here are some marvellous photos of Tawang shared by Govind Singh of Delhi Greens.

Find more of Tawang photos shot by Govind here.

Detection and Deportation of ‘Illegal Immigrants’-Whose responsibility?

Why is that, there occurs a need for the students’ union or for that matter any other organization or body to step into the shoes of authorities to carry out the work that normally the administration would have been doing? Take for instance the recent ‘Operation Clean Drive’ carried out by the Apex Students’ body of the state AAPSU (All Arunachal Pradesh Students Union) to flush out illegal migrants (read Bangladeshi) from the state. The initiative of the students’ union resulted in driving out more than 5000 illegal migrants from the Capital Complex alone. In doing so, the students union has been alleged of harassing the bonafide Indian Citizen having valid ILP (Inner Line Permit) and resulted in repercussion from the displaced migrants in the form of attack on people of Arunachal traveling at Assam road (unfortunately, one has to traverse through Assam, to move from one district to another at Arunachal Pradesh), political turmoil at Assam owing to mass exodus of illegal migrants from Arunachal Pradesh to Assam, with opposition parties demanding Tarun Gogoi government to deport these ‘foreign nationals’ and not to patronage them and even possible terrorist threat in the Capital Complex. Wasn’t it the duty of administration to detect and deport the illegal migrants rather than the Students’ body?

And when AAPSU announced second phase of ‘Operation Clean Drive’ from August 17^th, it made me wonder, would the Government still sit idle and not step in to check the illegal immigrant? Is it enough just to make the issuance of ILP stricter without properly manning the entry gate? Sometimes, I feel all this entry formality in the form of ILP is just a joke. Greasing the palms of personnel at the entry gate one can easily gain access into Arunachal Pradesh, and this is a known fact among the people of Arunachal. It [ILP] has become a tool just for fattening the pockets of those manning the entry point/gates and a deterrent to potential tourists and investors rather than what it was devised for.

But it seems the administration has risen from deep slumber and finally owned up that it’s their responsibility and not the Students’ organization to detect and deport the illegal immigrants.

“Papum Pare deputy commissioner Bidol Tayeng, in a letter to AAPSU convenor Kamta Lapung stated that detecting a foreigner or a person without valid inner-line permit was a routine duty of the government. The student organisation could only bring anomalies to the notice of the government.”

Read full story here.

Further, Papum Pare Deputy Commissioner, Bidol Tayeng, has asserted that the proposed second phase of Operation Clean Drive from August 17^th would not be allowed to be carried out, terming that if allowed, it would be tantamount to running a parallel administration by the students.

Rightly said; had the administration sensed it earlier and had done their duty sincerely, this situation wouldn’t have aroused at the first place and the students’ community wouldn’t have stepped in. The Arunachalee commuters wouldn’t have been manhandled at Assam and may be with better co-ordination between the Arunachal Pradesh and Assam governments, the deportation of illegal migrants could have been carried out much better without any political turmoil in the neighbouring state.

Now, it is only hoped that the administration and the government who has realized their mistake, though lately, would do their duties sincerely. That ILP wouldn’t just remain as minting machine for the personnel at the entry point and deterrent to the potential tourists and investors which could contribute to the economy of the state. In that case, what I feel is, it would be better-off with ILP-at least then, there would be free flow of economy to and from the state.

Favicon

Those who have been following the looks of Arunachal Diary might have noticed that Arunachal Diary has a Favicon now. Yes, the icon at the address bar or at the tab if you are using Mozilla or IE7 or Safari or Opera. Sad part is that it doesn’t work for IE6.

Now you might be asking, what’s the big deal? Is it indeed necessary to do a post on it? But I thought otherwise. Because, with this I fulfilled one of my wishes in the wish list that I felt for long that this blog should have and secondly, I thought why not share how I went about putting favicon for my blog who knows the tips might help other nubes like me.

Here I must admit that I’m not at all versed with all these coding and that I’m quite a nube in this field and that putting a Favicon in the website would be as easy as pie for the veterans. All I did was follow the tips provided by Peter Chen, Digital inspiration and Matt Wardman on how to display the favicon.

Well, here is how I went about.

I designed text logo for my blog in Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop and saved the file in JPEG format (may be there are other ways of doing this through single software). Here, don’t bother about the size of the graphic or the file format (be it JPEG, GIF, PNG etc.) for now.

There after, I generated the icon image from the logo I had created, at the site FavIcon from Pic and saved it in the hard disc. Here what I observed was that whatever be the file size or the format, image icon of 16 x 16 pixels would be generated.

This generated icon was uploaded to photo hosting site, photobucket. (Though the tips says personal web space is required and blogger doesn’t support hosting of the icon image, yet I feel that it can be done through blogger itself)

Copy and paste the code below replacing the url underlined in red with the photobucket url, just after the tag in blogger template.

Save the template and voila you have Favicon at the address bar of blogger blog. And still if you are not able to put Favicon in your Blogger Blog, I recommend that you visit here here and here for further tips on how to put Favicon.