Meghalaya Top Woman Officer To Judge in Olympics

Shillong, Dec 17 : Meghalaya's top government woman officer and a former Federation Cup champion archer, Matsiewdor War, has been selected as one of the officials for the 2012 London Olympics.

The World Archery Federation officially informed Matsiewdor of her international appointment earlier this week.

Matsiewdor is the lone official from India in the archery event during the 2012 London Olympics which is slated to be held from July 27 to August 12, next year.

The 1985 Federation Cup champion, Matsiewdor is currently serving as Managing Director MeCOFED and as Officer on Special Duty for Cooperation department in the state.

Asked for her reaction, Matsiewdor said, "I am excited to be chosen to represent the country and North-East and my people at home.

"The former Sports and Youth Affairs director had qualified as an international judge after appearing for two examinations at Seoul, South Korea in 1994.

Matsiewdor said, "Even though I have not been able to make it big in international arena as an archer but I am happy to have been able to do this as an official judge. "Matsiewdor will be leaving for the London Olympics in the last week of July.

World Archery Federation had recognised Matsiewdor as one of its officials at the 2006 Doha Asian Games in Qatar and later at the Youth World Archery Championships at Ogden, Utah in 2009 besides other events in Bangladesh and other countries.

Election Commission Hawk-Eye On Manipur Polls

Imphal, Dec 17 : To combat muscle and money power in the coming Manipur assembly polls, the Election Commission of India (ECI) is prepared to closely monitor the expenditure and activities of the candidates through 'effective' mechanisms.

The crucial tenth state assembly polls is most likely be held in February next year and political parties have already begun rolling out informal campaigns to woo the voters.

The election should be free and fair, peaceful and transparent, and maximum participation of the electorates needs to be ensured for a stronger democracy, said ECI (education, communication, information) director general Akshay Rout at a media conference in Imphal on Thursday.

On Wednesday, chief election commissioner of India SY Quraishi said the movement of individuals and goods along all routes in and out of the state would be closely monitored to check the use of black money in the ensuing polls.

Stating that media is the eyes and ears of ECI, Rout said media reports of violation of any provisions under the Representation of the People Act, 1951 and the election model code of conduct would be taken as (suo motto) complaint.

Pointing out that the one of the main challenging tasks for the commission is to fight 'paid news', he said a unit christened Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) would be opened in all districts to combat this phenomenon.

"If any candidate is suspected to use 'paid news' to his advantage as per any media report, the ECI would send a notice to the particular candidate and take necessary action against him / her according to his / her replies," he said, adding that the incumbency power of the ruling party or parties is also one of the main concerns to be challenged.

Pointing out that the Systematic Voter Education and Electorate Participation (SVEEP) programme has also been launched by the ECI, Rout strongly advocated that people should not vote under the influence of bribe.

Echoing Rout, the commission's director general (expenditure monitoring division) P K Das said the commission would set up checkposts, flying squads, complaint cells and a toll-free hotline for the complainants to check bribing of voters.

Stating that both giving and taking of bribes are equally punishable, he said once the complaint is received, the flying squad would rush to the spot and take necessary action.

For effective monitoring of election expenditure, all candidates should open a separate account in the bank one day ahead of filing their nomination papers, he said, adding that income tax officials would also be deployed at strategic locations.

Nagaland: Rs 18-crore Gun ‘Misfires’, Blows Hole in Govt Coffers

CAG report points out massive financial fraud committed by Nagaland police brass in the name of raising six Commando Companies under the Neiphiu Rio government, which turned a blind eye to the forgery, Ratnadip Choudhury reports

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio constituted a committee to investigate the ‘fraud’ but the report was never made public

A “fraudulent” withdrawal of staggering Rs 18 crore by the Director General of Police (DGP) is only a “procedural irregularity”—that’s how the Nagaland government has rubbished the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report on the ‘massive fraud’.

Last April, the 2009-2010 CAG report revealed in bold letters—“The Director General of Police, Nagaland, Kohima, withdrew an amount of Rs 18 crore against fictitious bills. The fraudulent withdrawal of Rs 18 crore, therefore, needs to be investigated”. The report grabbed headlines in the media, the Centre sent a strong memo to the Nagaland government and the Neiphiu Rio government constituted a high-power committee to investigate into the matter and asked it to submit the report within three months.

The committee’s report, which is being examined by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of State Assembly, has found only “procedural irregularities, not forgery”—as claimed by the CAG report—government sources told TEHELKA. Apparently, Nagaland Home Minister Imkong Inchen had turned a blind eye to DGP K Kire’s ‘forgery’.

While the media in Nagaland forgot the controversy, a citizen lodged a First Information Report (FIR) with the Nagaland Vigilance Commissioner against the government’s ‘inaction’ in the alleged scam on 2 December. TEHELKA has accessed copy of the complaint and bills submitted by the office of the DGP to the Accountant General (AG) through the State Treasury. Documents and the bills available with TEHELKA clearly expose the massive fraud.

The issue dates back to 2009, when the AG’s office received a fully vouched bill (No. 111, 15 June, 2009) with six sub-vouchers from the DGP’s office through the State Treasury. A preliminary review by the AG’s found ‘discrepancies’ in the bill. A full-fledged audit found prima facie evidence indicating forgery in all the sub-vouchers. “The fact remains that a fully vouched contingent bill was received by the AG’s office through the Treasury and all purchases shown in the sub-vouchers attached to the bills have been found to be fictitious,” the CAG report stated.

Copies of the alleged fraud bills obtained by TEHELKA support the CAG report. The Nagaland government, vide order No. POL-8/IRB/34/2008, dated 15.06.2009, sanctioned expenditure not exceeding Rs 18 crore to the DGP of Nagaland for purchase of arms, ammunition, vehicles and equipment for raising six Commando Companies during the 2009-2010 fiscal year. The Centre provided the funds under police modernisation schemes for northeastern states.

The first two sub-vouchers were allegedly issued by Ordinance Factory Khamaria (OFK), Jabalpur. Fully vouched contingent bills amounting to Rs 430.29 lakh (No. C/149/Nagaland, dated 05.05.2009) and Rs 148.28 lakh (No. C/150/Nagaland, dated 05.05.2009)—copies of which are in possession of TEHELKA—purportedly issued by MK Mohaptra, the Joint General Manager of OFK, were submitted. However, in response to AG’s query, OFK wrote a letter denying issuance of such bills. Besides, the ammunition mentioned in the supply list was beyond the factory’s production capacity, OKF added. TEHELKA has a copy of the letter.

Later, when a Right to Information (RTI) activist filed an application over the anomaly, the DGP office furnished copies of the two alleged fraud bills of OFK. Interestingly, the ‘signature of the issuing authority’ on the RTI annexure bills did not match with those submitted to the AG through the State Treasury. The DGP office has certified and verified the receipt of the items and made ledger entries on these bills—though it seems the items were never supplied.

The third sub-voucher was ‘issued’ by Bridgegap Associates, New Delhi, amounting to Rs 781.86 lakh (No. BA/NL/P/11/2009, dated 05.05.2009). When the AG inquired from the company, the proprietor in an official reply denied having been either paid any sum, or any entry in the company ledger of the items mentioned in the bills. The original letter sent by the south Delhi-based company to the AG is available with TEHELKA.

Later, in response to a RTI request, the DGP office provided a copy of the bill from Bridgegap Associates. However, the ‘signature’ on the bill provided as RTI annexure and available with TEHELKA did not match with that of the original bill.

The fourth sub-voucher was allegedly issued by Laggar Industries Ltd, Jalandhar (two bills—No.LIL/DD/18/09, dated 06.05.2009 and No.LIL/DD/18/09, dated 06.06.2009) amounting to Rs.1, 24, 31,500 and Rs 15,00,1000 respectively. On the AG’s inquiry, the Department of Trade and Taxes, New Delhi, informed that no such company existed.

The fifth voucher again exposes glaring forgery. Two bills (No. AO-GUW/Bill/25/09, dated 04.05.2009, of Rs 2, 02, 09,996 and No. AO-GUW/Bill/25/09, dated 04.05.2009, of Rs 1, 67, 78,446) were ‘issued’ by Tata Motors, Guwahati. However, Tata Motors informed the AG that it didn’t have any transaction record as mentioned in the bills.

The last voucher was from Sanchar Telesystems Ltd, Mumbai, (Bill No. STL/NPHG/2009/19 of Rs 87.9 lakh). Again on the AG’s query, the company denied having supplied any products, or billing. A copy of the reply is available with TEHELKA.

Highly placed sources in the police told TEHELKA that the money obtained through the payment of the forged bills was ‘siphoned off’ by the top brass.

Chief Secretary Lalthara told TEHELKA that the government was not trying to cover up anything. “The report has been forwarded to the PAC. Since it is examining it, thus the report has not been made public. The government has nothing to hide.”

However, the person who lodged the FIR with the Vigilance Commissioner is not hopeful. “The Chairman of the PAC, N Kire, is the elder brother of DGP K Kire. Therefore, the report will be biased,” he told TEHELKA.

Meanwhile, the main opposition party, Congress, has is pressuring the government to make the findings of the inquiry public. “This is a clear case of organised corruption. The government should make the report public and take action. Otherwise, we will launch an agitation and could even approach the court,” a senior Congress leader from Kohima said.

Ratnadip Choudhury is a Principal Correspondent with Tehelka. ratnadip@tehelka.com

 

Source: Tehelka

Rewben To Make Melody in Final Episode of Dewarists

By DIPANJAN SINHA

Rewben Mashangva

Calcutta, Dec 17 : It was a sunny yet chilly day. Nothing unusual in Shillong. From a cottage in the city floats music that makes one break into dance. Not very unusual here either.

What set the day apart, however, were the two artistes whose chords set the feet of passersby tapping in the musical paradise of Shillong — Naga folk musician Rewben Mashangva and innovator par excellence Raghu Dixit, collaborating for the final episode of the Dewarists on Sunday.

The Dewarists, part travelogue, part music show on Star World, will sign off with flourish with a performance in the city, renowned for its love of music. The show features some of the biggest names from across the globe, such as Grammy award-winning singer Imogen Heap and Indian Ocean among others, and allows them a chance to collaborate with other stalwarts like Vishal-Shekhar, Mohit Chauhan and Shantanu Moitra and create music.

While Guru Rewben Mashangva, performer, songwriter, music researcher and the “King of Naga folk blues” is the principal exponent of Hao music, the Raghu Dixit Project, founded by Raghu Dixit, encourages the amalgamation of the talents of artistes from different cultures.

When Dewarists approached the musicians to perform for the final episode, they were pleasantly surprised. The last time this dynamic duo had got together, they composed and performed onstage as part of the sixth edition of the Roots Festival in 2008.

With all the earnestness of a poet, Rewben Mashangva, says, “I like Raghu. We have so much fun when we perform together.”

Raghu puts forward a perspective that is beyond familiar comprehensions of language, culture or even inspiration.

He highlights the nuances that set the performers apart.

“Rewben and I have no clue about each others’ languages. My attempt is to recreate ancient Kannada poetry and make it relevant for the people of our time. It is about many things in this world that we have started taking for granted and should learn to respect. Rewben’s songs and music come from a very different atmosphere. His songs are a louder call in a conflict-torn place for peace, for life. Way more revolutionary,” Raghu says.

He then points at the bridge between the genres.

“But every time he performs or sings or plays, something within me is happy, an effervescent chord is touched,” he added.

In Shillong, the duo decided to go for a lighthearted, foot-tapping number and the end result was Masti ki Basti.

“We decided to do something that is fun. So the song Masti Ki Basti we composed is all about the celebration of life. It is fun and festive and calls all of us to groove to the tunes of nature,” Rewben said.

Raghu, who is steadily gaining popularity across the country, welcomes the fact that two episodes of the show, which has gained an international following, have been shot in the Northeast — Kaziranga and Shillong.

“It is a very positive sign that two episodes of the show have been shot in the region. I hope this brings to focus the immense musical potential there. I have to admit that we are sort of cut off from this part of our country culturally and emotionally. Despite the huge talent pool rarely do we see bands from the Northeast performing in south India,” Raghu said.

Girish Talwar of Babble Fish Productions, the house which showcased the journey, is spellbound by the beauty of the region.

“There is just so much beauty in the Northeast that we had to come twice. The culture is also encouraging. Everyone there sings or plays instruments. There is so much music all around,” he said.

However, the anticipation for the episode is accompanied by the laments of die hard followers of the show who were captivated by the medley of amazing music.

Nachiketa Parikh, a fan of the show from Gujarat, said, “The Dewarists was a journey through the India we hardly knew existed. A truly musical journey, awaiting a befitting end in Shillong.”

Northeast India Academy of Performing Arts

Dimapur, Dec 17 : Youth in Nagaland see fashion as a popular career opportunity. Many of them aspire to become models, make up artists, fashion designers or beauty saloon owners.

There was no dedicated institute for fashion related vocational courses in Nagaland before the establishment of the Northeast India Academy of Performing Arts (NEIAPA).

Located in Dimapur, the fashion academy, offers short-term courses in make-up, spa, beauty techniques and modelling.

It works at sharpening the skills of the youth who intend to enter into fashion industry by providing them required training.

"The government is doing its best. They are helping us and we are getting students from all districts of Nagaland. The government is paying for those who cannot afford the costs. They are doing their best. By 2015, I am sure that this industry will be one of the biggest industries in Nagaland and I can see lots of potential in them," said Akuonuo, Director, NEIAPA.

The academy was inaugurated this year on April 15.he first batch of 25 students who passed out recently have been recruited in several top fashion companies, spa and saloons.he academy has collaborated with many companies who provide trained professionals as guest lecturers.

They have organized many fashion shows, events, and seminars to showcase the skills of the students to a wider audience.

These models and trainees have requested the government to provide them with wider exposure.

"I think, everyone knows that they haven't yet got a lot of exposure and, at the same time, they haven't got lot of opportunities to show what talent they have. I really see a lot of potential if you teach them right," said Garima Parnami, Executive Director, NEIAPA.

British-era Hydel Project Re-commissioned in Mehalaya

Shillong, Dec 17 : Meghalaya’s heritage project, the Sonapani mini-hydel power project has been officially re-commissioned Thursday by Chief minister Mukul Sangma.The Sonapani mini-hydel power project at Lum Kshaid, Mawprem, set up in 1925, which was abandoned in 1982, started in 2001.

However, the actual construction of the Rs 9.88 crore project commenced in 2004. Commercial distribution through the 1.5 MW project was started in 2010. Dedicating 1.5 MW hydel project to the people of Meghalaya, Dr Sangma stressed on the need to increase power generation in order to bring down the electricity charges.

The revival of the British-era project, which was abandoned in 1982, started in 2001. However, the actual construction of the Rs 9.88 crore project commenced in 2004.

Commercial distribution through the 1.5 MW project was started in 2010. Besides being one of the three oldest power projects in the country, the project was also an opportunity for the Meghalaya government to commission a power project in the state after over 30 years.

The genesis of the project was sowed through a report in 1908 prepared by J.W. Meares, which pointed out that Shillong was one of the “worst lit” hill stations, though it was the Summer Capital of the New Province (Eastern Bengal and Assam).

Based on the Meares report, the Sonapani Mini Hydel Electric Project, as it is now called, was constructed and commissioned in 1922 by the Shillong Hydro Electric Supply Company Pvt. Ltd. which was owned by former West Bengal chief minister B.C. Roy. The project, as commissioned in 1922, consisted of two weirs, one on the Umkhrah river and the other on the Umshyrpi river.

The waters from these two weirs were carried by open channels to the forebay at a distance of 632 metres and 1145 metres, respectively.

However, the erstwhile Meghalaya State Electricity Board (MeSEB), now known as Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL), had planned to revive the project in 2001 and the government started the work in 2004. The project was completed in 2009 and the commissioning of the revived scheme was done in 2010.

The total cost of the project was Rs 9.88 crore, out of which, Rs 6.75 crore was funded by the Union ministry of new and renewable energy. “Our requirements (power) can be met through renewable energy resources and by leaving aside all those sources of power dependent on the fossil fuels which contribute towards global warming,” Dr Sangma said.

Stating that it was imperative to invest more in the power sector, Sangma cautioned the people not to “misunderstand” the intentions of the government. “The intention of the government when it wants to invest more on power projects should not be misunderstood. The misunderstanding might have happened because of lack of clarity,” Dr Sangma said.

Mizoram To Have 15 RMSA Schools Before Christmas

Aizawl, Dec 16 : Newly-constructed 15 RMSA higher secondary schools would be opened before Christmas to enable them to commence classes from the next academic session, RMSA state project director said today. Another eight (RMSA) schools are likely to be opened during January next year, T Rohmingliana, the SPD, said in an official statement.

Each school was constructed at the cost of Rs 55.50 lakh, 90 per cent of which was funded by the Central government while the remaining 10 per cent was shared by the state government.

Each building has four classrooms, a science laboratory, a computer room, art/craft/culture room, a library, a teachers common room, a principal room and two toilet blocks separately for boys and girls.

The Classrooms are designed to accommodate 35 students and a computer room has a space for ten computer sets, the official said. Teachers and laboratory assistants have been recruited so as to start classes from the new year, he added.

The RMSA schools in Aizawl district to be opened before Christmas are: Zotlang HS, Phunchawng HS and Sesawng HS to be inaugurated by education minister Lalsawta and his parliamentary secretary Chawngtinthanga on December 16 and December 21 respectively. In Champhai district: Champhai Vengthlang HS and Zokhawthar HS near the Myanmar border.

They will be inaugurated by constituency legislator T T Zothansanga tomorrow. In Kolasib district: Bualpui HS and Serkhan HS. They will be inaugurated by local MLA Hmingdailova Khiangte and education secretary Esther Lalruatkimi respectively on December 16 and 17.

In Mamit district, the RMSA school is Luangpawl HS, and it will be inaugurated by RMSA state project director. There are three RMSA schools-- Hrangchalkawn HS, Ralvawng HS and Thenhlum HS to be inaugurated on December 16, 19 and 21 respectively by Parliamentary Secretary S Laldingliana, HPC-Lunglei vice-chairman Joseph Lalhimpuia and RMSA Lunglei district PD S T Zaduna.

In Lawngtlai district, there are two--Siachangkawn HS and Rulkual HS--to be inaugurated by parliamentary secretary H Zothangliana on December 16 and 19.

Saiha district has two RMSA schools, Chapui HS and Kawlchaw E HS, which will be inaugurated by Saiha ADC chief executive member S Khipo on December 19.

Mizoram To Produce 2,000 MW Power

Aizawl, Dec 16 : Once all the ongoing hydro electric projects in Mizoram are completed, the state will produce at least 2,000 MW of power, a significant leap from the present capacity of generating 17.50 MW. Mizoram has a capacity to produce during the peak season only 17.50 MW of electricity, against the total requirement of 100 MW.

Once all the ongoing projects are completed, the state will produce 2,000 MW, Parliamentary Secretary (power & electricity) Lal Thanzara said during a National Energy Conservation Day function here yesterday.

A lot of money will have to be spent to achieve that, he said adding conservation of energy is as important as generating it. Whereas there is shortage of power all over the country, judicious use of energy presently available could save 25,000 MW of power, he maintained.

The state government has signed memorandums of understanding to construct 460 MW Kolodyne Hydro Electric Project, 815 MW Lungreng Hydro Electric Project, 635 MW Chhimtuipui Hydro Electric Project, 76 MW Mat Hydro Electric Project, 42 MW Tuivawl Hydro Electric Project and 38 MW Tuirini Hydro Electric Project.

Construction of 210 MW Tuivai Hydro Electric Project under public private partnetship and 12 MW Serlui B and 60 MW Tuirial Hydro Electric Project are expected to complete in the next few years.

The power and state electricity department was introduced into Mizoram only in 1962 when a diesel engine generated 75 KW of power in Aizawl.

During today s function, Lal Thanzara handed over state energy conservation award 2011 for hospital group to Greenwood Hospital.

Among the hotels/guest houses, the state guest house received the award. The award carries Rs 10,000 in cash an certificate.

He also distributed prizes of painting competition on the topic of energy conservation among school students.

As conservation measures, the state government has introduced light emitting diode (LED) street lights in Aizawl. Plans are on to install 120 LED street lights in Lunglei in February 2012.