Talking to reporters after making a "courtesy call" to Chief Minister Dr Donkupar Roy on Thursday, Joint Secretary of the Atomic Energy Department (AED), Government of India, S Mendiratta made it clear that the Central Government had no intention of putting pressure on the Meghalaya Government for early commencement of the uranium mining project.

"Though the Central Government wants early commencement of uranium mining, the Government and people of Meghalaya are free to make an informed choice for or against the project," Mr Mendiratta said.

He, however, said the Centre would continue to take up the matter with the State Government and also the people, including NGOs and political parties, who are opposed to the uranium project.

Echoing the view of Mr Mendiratta, UCIL CMD Ravindra Gupta said the uranium corporation was not in favour of starting its mining project without taking into confidence the people of the State.

Mr Gupta said UCIL would continue to hold talks with those groups opposing uranium mining in Meghalaya.

He clarified that there was no misappropriation of funds in the ongoing construction of the Wahkaji-Mawthabah road.

The UCIL chief further said the Corporation had not stopped releasing funds to KHADC for construction of the 20 crore-road.

Meanwhile, State Planning Board chairman Purno A Sangma said the State Government would hold meetings with all the political parties, prominent NGOs, autonomous district councils for a consensus on the uranium issue. "This process would start after the Budget session," Mr Sangma said.

"I have deferred the hearing to April 15 following Mr Shylla's request to extend the date as his lawyer was out of station", Mr Pyrbot said here on Thursday adding that "Rule 6 (4) of Anti-Defection Law provides no provision regarding the postponement of the hearing".

According to Mr Pyrbot, there was no provision to allow postponement of the hearing date, however since the sole authority rested with the Chairman to decide whether to go ahead with the hearing or not, he has decided to grant postponement.

"In fact Mr Shylla has requested to hold the hearing after April 21 but I would not wait till that day as there is no provision in the law to defer" Mr Pyrbot added.

Stating that the proposed hearing would be final and there would be no changing of date whatsoever, he said that decision would also be followed on Mr Shylla's fate as the Council's member.

NEW DELHI: The Union Ministry of Rural Development has sanctioned Rs 10.83 crore for Meghalaya under Rajiv Gandhi National Drinking Water Mission (RGNDWM), a Centrally-sponsored programme of Accelerated Rural Water Supply Programme (ARWSP).

Mizoram (Rs 7.00 crore), Nagaland (Rs 7.0257 crore), Sikkim (Rs 6.71crore) and Tripura (Rs 15.00 crore) have also been given funds under RGNDWM.

The Dorbar Shnong had recently declared social boycott of the 62 villagers for not openly supporting a Congress candidate in the recent Assembly elections.

The decision to withdraw the boycott was taken by the Rangbah Shnong of Wahiajer Kmenlang Shylla at a meeting convened by Jaintia Hills DC Frederick Roy Kharkongor at Jowai on Thursday. All affected people, including the secretary of North East India Christian Council (NEICC) Rev N Sandiwell Phawa, were present at the meeting.

"The Dorbar will meet soon to formally revoke the boycott of the 62 villagers. Thereafter, an agreement will be signed to this effect in my presence on April 15," Mr Kharkongor told The Shillong Times. He also said legal action would be taken against the village authorities if they failed to sign the agreement.

While stating that both Dorbar Shnong and aggrieved parties had agreed to ensure peace and co-existence in the village, the DC said he had reminded both the sides of the importance of casting of secret ballot.

"Franchise is a fundamental right of a voter and a Dorbar Shnong has no right to impose social boycott on anyone for political reasons," he added.

According to an official statement, the CAG report 2006-07 contains audit comments and observations on the accounts and transactions related to the activities of the State Government.

SHILLONG: While highlighting the need for restructuring the State Planning Board (SPB), NCP general secretary Purno A Sangma on Thursday said the Common Minimum Programme (CMP) of the MPA Government would be ready in a month's time.

Interacting with newsmen here, Mr Sangma said the CMP Sub-Committee was scheduled to meet on Thursday evening before submitting its recommendations to the MPA Co-ordination Committee.

"The Co-ordination Committee would study the recommendations and then submit them to the Cabinet for its approval," he said.

Mr Sangma, who is also chairman of SPB, said he wanted to restructure the Board to make it more vibrant and effective.

"We are planning to appoint three advisors from the field of economics to help SPB with suggestions for development of infrastructure, tourism and horticulture in the State", he said.

The senior NCP leader also said he was contemplating to appoint a few young and dynamic research officers in the Board, adding they would be sent for a fortnight-long training by the Planning Commission.

Responding to a query, Mr Sangma made it clear that NCP would not merge with Congress even if both the parties were part of an alliance at the Centre, saying "we are committed to MPA, and the alliance will last its full term."

According to an official statement, the CAG report 2006-07 contains audit comments and observations on the accounts and transactions related to the activities of the State Government.

According to NABARD general manager JG Menon, the projected credit flow for the State during 2008-09 includes Rs 92.97 crore for agriculture, Rs 69.08 crore for industries and Rs 199.50 crore for other priority sectors like housing.

SHILLONG: While highlighting the need for restructuring the State Planning Board (SPB), NCP general secretary Purno A Sangma on Thursday said the Common Minimum Programme (CMP) of the MPA Government would be ready in a month's time.

Interacting with newsmen here, Mr Sangma said the CMP Sub-Committee was scheduled to meet on Thursday evening before submitting its recommendations to the MPA Co-ordination Committee.

"The Co-ordination Committee would study the recommendations and then submit them to the Cabinet for its approval," he said.

Mr Sangma, who is also chairman of SPB, said he wanted to restructure the Board to make it more vibrant and effective.

"We are planning to appoint three advisors from the field of economics to help SPB with suggestions for development of infrastructure, tourism and horticulture in the State", he said.

The senior NCP leader also said he was contemplating to appoint a few young and dynamic research officers in the Board, adding they would be sent for a fortnight-long training by the Planning Commission.

Responding to a query, Mr Sangma made it clear that NCP would not merge with Congress even if both the parties were part of an alliance at the Centre, saying "we are committed to MPA, and the alliance will last its full term."

SHILLONG: Members of the Thirteenth Finance Commission and experts from the North-East on Thursday called for improved management of finances of northeastern states and a sustainable fiscal environment for equitable growth of the region.

The members of the finance panel and experts, who met in the city, urged effective governance, better utilisation of funds and improving the quality of expenditure by the northeastern states, besides seeking views from members of the public and other stake- holders on ways and means to streamline fiscal management and boost economic growth of North-East.

Among the notable issues discussed at the meeting were infrastructure and human resource development, industrial growth, mining, environment and disaster management.

According to Commission chairman Dr Vijay Kelkar, the meeting discussed terms of reference of the Commission, its mandate and suggestions for improving financial management in northeastern states and reviewed measures to maintain a stable and sustainable fiscal environment consistent with equitable growth.

"The discussion focused on special problems and potentialities of the region including infrastructure covering roads, airports, railways and waterways, human resource development, industry, mining and environment and also steps to combat natural disasters," Dr Kelkar told reporters after the meeting.

Stating that the views expressed by experts on the various issues would be taken into consideration by the Commission, Dr Kelkar said the meeting held in the city followed similar exercises held at New Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Pune, Mumbai and Chandigarh to elicit views from various quarters on streamlining fiscal management and boosting economic growth of North-East.

He said members of the public and stake-holders could submit their suggestions through an interactive website of the Commission -- http://fincomindia.nic.in

The Thirteenth Finance Commission was constituted to give specific recommendations on sharing of tax receipts between the Centre and states and outline the principles for providing grants-in-aid to the states from the Consolidated Fund of India.

The Commission would also suggest measures to augment the consolidated funds of the states to supplement the resources of Panchayats and municipalities. The finance panel is expected to submit its final report by October, 2009.

Shillong: A book written by a city-based journalist on Thursday prompted the State Government to take up the issue of under-trial prisoners, many of them petty criminals, languishing in various jails of the State for years and even for decades.

The government directed all the deputy commissioners and superintendents of police to investigate the cases related to such prisoners without facing any trial and compile their report within two weeks.

Chairman of State Planning Board PA Sangma spoke of the government the order while releasing the book When The Jacaranda Blooms written by senior journalist and correspondent of The Telegraph EM Jose here on Thursday.

Mr Sangma said he had taken up the matter with the authorities concerned on Thursday after going through the book based on an under-trial prisoner who, after suffering physical and mental agony in various jails for long 14 years , was ultimately found to be an innocent person.

"Innocent people are languishing in the jails of Meghalaya without trail. These people must be released immediately by setting up camp trials on the jail premises. We hope to release a few hundred of them through such steps," Mr Sangma said.

Appreciating the effort by the author to compile the details of a true story into a book, Mr Sangma expressed the hope that the book would bring about positive changes in the police and jail administration.

Mr Sangma also urged the media fraternity to investigate such matters concerning the administration to bring out the truth.

He said the government was concerned about the delay in justice delivery system and that it would take up necessary steps in this regard.

"The government would set up camp courts in which hearing can take place inside the jail itself," Mr Sangma said, adding, "Under the camp court system, criminals need not go from court to court for hearing, only judges would go to the prisons to conduct the hearing."

Protagonist of the book Rusith Sangma, who made headlines during the ’90s when it was realised that police and administration had goofed up the case by producing Rusith before the court as the accused of a murder case. Rusith's crime was only that he cut illegal logs at Baghmara in Garo Hills.

Rusith was released in 1995. The court ordered a compensation of Rs 2 lakh and a monthly pension of Rs 2500 for him to be paid by the government. Besides, the government was also ordered to pay for his medical expenses throughout his life.

Senior lawyer SP Mahanta and secretary general of MPHRC DDG Dympep also attended the book release function.

The injured persons have been admitted to Jowai Civil Hospital and Shillong Civil Hospital. The bus No. TR01A-1475 was coming from Agartala.

According to some of the passengers, the accident occurred due rash and negligent driving. Driver of the bus, Nepal Chandra Deb Nath, is absconding.

Shillong: Officer on Special Duty of State Assembly Andrew Simons has denied that there was any move to construct the new Assembly building in its original site at Khyndai Lad here as reported in the media. In a statement issued here, Mr Simons said the Assembly authorities have not made any proposal regarding construction of the legislature building at its original site by swapping the nearby church building.

"The office of the Speaker is ignorant of any such proposal to acquire the land of the KJP church adjacent to the Assembly complex at Khyndai Lad," Mr Simons said adding that the site of the new Assembly building had not been finalised and that there was no move to acquire any land for the purpose so far.

Mr Simons also said in case any land was necessary for construction of the new Assembly building, the State Government would approach the concerned land owner for the purpose. The statement by the official followed by opposition from Khasi-Jaintia Presbyterian Church which had stated that it would not accept any move to swap the church building with the High Court building for the proposed construction of the new Assembly building at its original site.

Shillong: Bowing down to students' pressure, Shillong Law College has suspended its faculty Ms FL Nonglait due to allegations of racial remarks made by her in the classroom.

Principal ODV Ladia issued the suspension order after the governing body's decision to appoint an inquiry into the demands of the students for terminating Ms Nonglait. The principal also held a meeting with faculty members and students of the college on April 9.

Ms Nonglait, against whom the students have been agitating, has been relieved from duty in the ensuing internal examination scheduled from April 28 to May 7. The lecturer will also not be able to take class until further order. In the week-long protest against the lecturer, the students hold signature and poster campaigns, burnt effigies and staged indefinite hunger strike.

TURA: State Planning Board Chairman Purno A Sangma has said quality education is a must for development of human resources and that the MPA government in Meghalaya is committed to ensure education gets the top priority.

He was speaking at the inauguration of a new school building for Thapa Kantolguri Govt Aided Secondary School, under Resubelpara Sub-Division, constructed under his MPLAD Scheme on Wednesday.

"The 19th century was of the industrial revolution, the 20th century of raw material production, and this century is for human resource development," said Mr Sangma while highlighting on the importance of science, mathematics and the english language.

"Education is a must for development," said PA Sangma and spoke on the progress being made by Mizoram, a State that has cent percent literacy rate.

He also mentioned about the importance of English as the "universal" language of the world and cited nations like China, France, Russia and Germany, that at one time refused to look beyond their own languages, now taking a cue from the rest of the world to master the English language.

New Rajya Sabha MP Thomas A Sangma and Deputy Chief Minister Timothy D Shira were also felicitated during the programme.

JOWAI: Jaintia Hills Deputy Commissioner Fredrick Roy Kharkongor revealed that as per a recent survey, rate of child trafficking is very high in Ladrymbai and Amlarem areas of the district.

Addressing a district-level awareness programme on "Prevention of Child Trafficking in Meghalaya" on Thursday at here, Mr Kharkongor said prevention of such crime is possible only when the people would understand the real meaning of it.

Attending the programme, Sister Judith Shadap said, "Child trafficking is not involved only with flesh trade, but also with beggary and slavery."

Sister Shadap urged all the parents to verify all facts before sending their children outside on someone's promise to help them get any job.

Films on human trafficking were also shown on the occasion. The awareness programme was sponsored by Women for Integrated Sustainable Empowerment (WISE) and Mihmyntdu Social Welfare Organisation as district partners and Impulse NGO Network as nodal implementing agency.

Preventing a group of media personnel from entering the place, the Pine Mount School authorities even reportedly asked them to seek permission from Peitngor Cable News (PCN) to cover the programme. The school allowed only the PCN to cover the programme.

Reacting to the incident, Shillong Press Club president David Laitphlang said such discrimination by the school authorities among the media persons is not acceptable at all.

The Press Club has already taken the matter with Information and Public Relations Minister Manas Chaudhuri.

For a pretty long time the non tribal has lived his life in Meghalaya as a schizophrenic. He is demonized by others who are not of his race and is seen as the astute go-getter. But he sees himself as a victim of circumstances beyond his control. None of the two images are correct. But both images have been reinforced in the minds of those who assess him and in his own psyche.

First of all it is important to demolish the racial absurdity that non-tribals are a category; that they conform to a single behaviour pattern; that they react in similar ways when threatened and respond in almost like lifeless robots to hatred, love, danger and several other emotions. Fear in all human beings results in flight. Love evokes the best of human response whether a person is tribal or non-tribal Similarly hatred creates venom in the one who hates and the hated. If we have problems accepting the reality that a non-tribal is a human being who is as distinct in his DNA and as unique in his behaviour as any individual can be, then we are living in a different world.

As a tribal my gut instinct is to lay the blame for everything that goes wrong on the 'dkhar' (non-tribal). Although I should know better I still fall into the trap of type-casting. But this stereotyping is necessary if I am to nurse my grouse against the non-tribal. If social scientists should challenge the stereotyping my pet theory about the non-tribal would fall flat. Frankly speaking, we in Meghalaya have wasted over a decade in non-tribal bashing (1979-1992). These were crucial years when the State should have jump-started its development mandate.The non-tribal issue gave our political leaders an excuse not to perform but to further their personal agenda.

In our zeal to pillory the non-tribal we conveniently forget that the system is actually run by a tribal elite. The non-tribal is merely an appendage living like a second or third class citizen. It is my personal insecurity about my abilities that make the non-tribal appear larger than life. So he is attacked even when he cannot fight back. How many times have I seen a chana-walla, a khachra walla or a bread-man being beaten up and shorn of his measly possessions. Many of us are look the other way instead of putting a stop to such actions. Why? Because we would be judged by the stand we take at that instant. If I step in to stop a tribal from beating up a non-tribal my credentials would at once be questioned. "How dare she do that? Is she Khasi or half-breed, married to a non-tribal (tnga dkhar) or what?" is the question the attacker would ask.

Yet all of us who claim to have a conscience have lived with this double standard. We had to be seen to loyal to the cause. And what is the cause, pray? The cause dear readers is that I have to protect this dear land of my ancestors from being vandalized and sold off in bits and pieces and sometimes by the hectare. 'Sold by whom and to whom you might ask?' They say that tribals sell land clandestinely to non-tribals. So who is at fault here?. It has to be the non-tribal. Why should he cast an eye on the land of my forefathers/foremothers?

If it is not land then it is employment. I have to keep a vigilant eye lest some non-tribal upstage me in a job interview or an admission. Often the logic is, why don't I thrash him up nice and proper before he reaches the interview scene. It would save me and my intellect that much more exertion. Besides, what right does the 'dkhar' have to apply for a job or a college seat in my 'country' (ka ri)?

Funnily the non-tribal is like a handyman who comes in handy whenever we have an issue to pick. Come elections and we are all calculating which way the non-tribal will vote. At that time the non-tribal is not untouchable. He could in fact invade the privacy of a politician's home with ease. Even the Majhabi Sikh known to be menials of a certain category are wooed like brides. In fact most political wannabes would not be where they are today without the money and support of the non-tribal.

I recall a political upstart some years ago summoning all non-tribals to a local city hotel and demanding that each one pledge how much he would pay up to support the guy's elections. His impudence and body language were highly offensive. He coolly announced that he would fight the elections. But he put the onus on the non-tribal to shell out the money. This is a classic case of forcing yourself into someone's home. In Hindi it is called, "Man na man mai tera mehman" (whether you like it or not I am your guest). Now how do you think the non-tribals responded. They shuffled their feet a bit but acquiesced mainly to avoid the wrath of the wannabe politician who was known for flexing his muscle at the drop of a hat. Gradually this weak-kneed capitulation to the diktat of a few bullies has reduced the non-tribals to the status of spineless non-citizens.

Not only has the non-tribal failed to claim his rightful political space. He is also slowly ousted out of the economic space. Whatever social space he enjoys today is because of the patronage of politicians and the caprice of a few tribal leaders. If the non-tribal continues to capitulate and crawl at this rate, a time will not be far off when he will have to face the extremely parochial assault that the North Indian is today facing in Maharashtra.

It is high time that tribals accept the fact that a sizeable number of non-tribals are genuine citizens of Meghalaya. They were born here, will live, work and die here. There is no escaping that fact. Pretending that the non-tribal is a nuisance who will disappear simply because we wish him to, is an illusion we can live without. Space sharing is the new mantra in this globalised world. We have to learn to live together; to be what the young call 'friends with benefit' because that is the only way to survive. But this requires some magnanimity on the part of the majority tribals.

Look at what our parochialism has done to governance. The only reason why elections to the Shillong Municipal Board (SMB) cannot be held is because of the fear that the non-tribal might capture political space. Consequently the tax payer pays the price because there is no arbiter for him/her in the SMB. The Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission which has to be implemented through a duly elected urban body is sought to be skewed to suit our needs. But the norms set by the Centre cannot be tailored to suit Meghalaya because that would make it undemocratic and exclusive yet again. In the bargain we may lose the money from the JNNRUM because the Central Government will not fund a single paisa unless the Board is democratically constituted. This is a heavy price to pay for succumbing to a few traditionalists who wish to hang on to their self-created power centres and keep others out of it.

Sadly, the debate on this capricious parochialism of traditional institutions is not even discussed for fear of stirring the hornets' nest. How long can the tribals support an institution that is an archaic, exclusive source of power of a few tribal elite? Ironically the desire to preserve this institution is not even remotely linked to the cultural practices of the people since it is increasingly encroaching into the domain of politics. The traditional institution was meant to dispense social justice. Now it has become the usurper of peoples' rights to land and resources. Much of the land and resources are in the hand of traditional institutions.

In saying this I will be stepping on many toes. But there is a point beyond which society cannot keep silent. And by society here I mean the society of human beings be it tribal or non-tribal. When a tribal is sick does he/she look only for a tribal doctor or does he/she go to the best healer, tribal or non-tribal notwithstanding. Then why the double standards when it comes to including the non-tribal in our daily discourse?

But let me come now to the non-tribal, who, I feel is so used to living like a doormat that he will not assert his space for a better status. I fail to empathise with those nursing the 'victim' syndrome. While 1979, 1982, 1987 and 1992 are realities that cannot be wiped out of our memory banks it is time to stop feeling like victims. For their own healing, tribals must get out of the 'victimizer' psyche and non-tribals the 'victim' mentality. Both are unhealthy and are obstacles to human relationships.

Think of this irony. Tribal politicians have no problems with non-tribals. So why are the common people on both sides unwilling to break the barriers of racism. We cannot have progressive tribal enclaves and non-tribal ghettos co-existing. A progressive Meghalaya is one where all citizens are treated equally. Anything short of that is a recipe for regression. Is it possible that Meghalaya today is a laggard precisely because of this negative energy of communal divide?

Pakistan is passing through a curious stage in its short history. Although the dictatorship has suffered a blow, the dictator is still there. Pervez Musharraf may not be as powerful as before, mainly because he is no longer in direct command of the army. But there is no certainty about how he may react if the new government makes a serious attempt to clip his wings. The army, too, may not like one of its former chiefs being humiliated in any way, for that will be a direct assault on its prestige.

India, therefore, has to tread cautiously, as it has always had to do, in dealing with the new regime. Although there have been hopeful signs, as when Asif Ali Zardari sought to put Kashmir on the back burner. But his subsequent reference to the "martyrs" who had laid down their lives for Kashmir’s "independence" showed that no Pakistani leader, military or civilian, can go beyond a point on this issue.

Kashmir is not the only impediment for an immediate improvement in ties. Even more troublesome is the continuing assistance which the ISI provides to the terrorists. For India, a great test of goodwill of the new government will be the steps it takes to dismantle the terrorist infrastructure, which includes the subterranean links between the militants and the rogue elements in the Pakistan establishment. Whether Zardari and Nawaz Sharif have the necessary will and the gumption to uproot these poisonous weeds are still unclear.

Central to any initiative which the leaders of the Pakistan People’s Party and the Muslim League (Nawaz) may take curb the jehadis in the country’s polity is the question of the durability of their alliance. There can be little doubt that it is a makeshift arrangement necessitated by Benazir Bhutto’s sudden death. Prior to that, the PPP under her was an ally of Musharraf with American support. Only the public anguish over her death, and the belief that Musharraf was at least indirectly responsible, compelled her party to align with Nawaz Sharif in spite of the latter’s pronounced antipathy towards Musharraf and, as a spin-off, towards the US.

That Washington still has a soft corner for the President is no secret. Hence, the reports that it is trying to ensure that its man in Islamabad is not forced to swallow the bitter pill of all the deposed judges, especially the former chief justice Iftikhar Mohammed Chaudhary, being reinstated. It is not impossible that both Musharraf and the US are biding their time, waiting for any sign of rift between the PPP and the Muslim League (N).

Notwithstanding America’s professed preference for democracy, it is apparently uneasy about politicians in this region, mainly because of their intrinsic anti-Americanism, which, in turn, is a reflection of the sentiment among large sections of the ordinary people. Musharraf is also stoking this feeling by claiming that the US military may attack the tribal regions if he is removed as the head of state, and whisk away A.Q.Khan for interrogation.

India, on the other hand, cannot hope to emulate the Americans by waiting. It has to take forward the momentum of improved ties from the Musharraf days to the present period lest it be accused of harbouring feelings of schadenfreude. Since India subscribes to the thesis that democracies do not go to war, this is the best time to try and mend relations since there is little likelihood of a military coup in the near future. It may be worthwhile to recall in this context that the wars of 1965 and 1971 took place when Pakistan was under the military dictatorships of Ayub Khan and Yahya Khan while the Kargil conflict was instigated by the then army chief Musharraf behind Nawaz Sharif’s back.

India’s hope, therefore, lies in the belief that, given time, democracy will sort out most problems even if the customary display of contentious views in public gives the impression of a "functioning anarchy", as India was once described by John Kenneth Galbraith. Among the positive signals emanating from Pakistan is the selection of a woman, Fehmida Mirza, as the Speaker of the National Assembly, dispelling the impression that the country was sliding into some kind of a less virulent Afghanistan where women’s position in society was concerned. Considering that not long ago, militant women and young girls – "chicks with sticks", as they were called in Pakistan – had occupied a mosque in the heart of Islamabad, the latest developments denote a marked change of the social climate.

Zardari and Nawaz Sharif, too, have been speaking in measured tones, at least to the Indian media, suggesting that they have understood the futility of an endless confrontation with India – something which even Musharraf had realized, even if under American pressure. It will be also fair to point out that Nawaz Sharif had responded warmly to Atal Behari Vajpayee’s remarkable initiative in undertaking the bus journey to Lahore in 1999. If Nawaz Sharif carries on from where he left off on being deposed by Musharraf, then the chances of a new beginning in mutual relations are bright.

Manmohan Singh’s proposed visit, therefore, will arouse more than the usual interest. In addition to his talks with the new Pakistan Prime Minister, Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani, his interaction with Zardari, who has said that he wants to be the power behind the throne like Sonia Gandhi, and with Nawaz Sharif will show whether the two countries can successfully continue the process of putting the past behind them. (IPA Service)

Madam,

The Meghalaya government has prescribed new text books with a new syllabus for the school students, ostensibly to improve the quality of education and make it 'easier for the students to comprehend as well as afford the books'. However, the facts speak otherwise. The cost of the class X books is now as under:

Existing NCERT Books New Books

1. Mathematics Rs. 55/- Rs. 105/-

2. Science Rs. 80/- Rs. 199/-

The new books are frightfully expensive and will be out of reach of most students, especially in remote areas. The existing NCERT books have been written by a panel of eminent scholars and are clear, lucid and easy to understand and assimilate. The new text books have been written/compiled by unknown/obscure authors. The new mathematics book is not at all easy to understand, and simple concepts have been made so complex, that the students are all at sea with them. Students already find the subject difficult, and, therefore do not need a more complex approach. Rather, an attempt should have been made to simplify the subjects so as to make them appealing and interesting for the students. With the already high dropout rate, the new books (being more complex and expensive) will only lead to more students leaving school. The new mathematics book also omits important chapters like Instalments and Tax which are practical everyday requirements. The NCERT textbooks, on the other hand, are comprehensive and adopt to a uniform standard throughout the country. As such it will enable the students to compete with others at the all India level.

Education is the most important gift for the future generation and should not be treated lightly. Vested interest should not be allowed to influence/ruin the future of students.

I appeal to the concerned authorities to earnestly review the decision regarding revision of the textbooks and adhere to the standards set by NCERT. I also exhort the NGOs and the student organizations in particular to take up the matter, so that the future of our youth is not jeopardized.

Yours etc.,
DD Syiem
Shillong-3

Madam,

Apropos the news item 'Meghalaya has 25 tigers' (ST, April 4), I wish to point out here that the figure given by the said Conservator of Forests,(Wildlife and Territorial), Tura, is incorrect, and more so, his statement that all the tigers in Meghalaya (25, according to him) are to be found solely in the Garo Hills.

The last Tiger Census carried out in the state of Meghalaya was in the year 2002, and the total number of tigers arrived at was 47 with the break up as follows- The Khasi Hills ( Ri-Bhoi included) : 14, Jaintia Hills : 8, and the combined Garo Hills having the remaining 25.

This last census was a good six years ago. A tiger census is best and usually carried out in the driest months of the year for several reasons, just some of which include ease of movement of personnel involved, compulsion for the big cat to stay closer to streams and other sources of water, hence cutting down area to be covered by parties involved and longer daylight hours.

It follows that, in the ensuing six years, the tiger would, or at least, should have increased in number unless there was something drastically and tragically wrong. There could be (or has been, perhaps?) severe deforestation of its habitat, or unrestricted and undetected poaching of not only the tiger, but of its prey species, or poisoning of bait in the case of cattle-lifting individuals.

Given that Meghalaya still has not reached a stage where Tiger Census is more scientifically done with the latest hi-tech gear (which will still not give a very accurate figure), some allowance should be made to that figure of 47. But please- don't go and bring it down by almost half. After all, we are proud that we still have tigers in our state.

Yours Etc.,
MA Nampui

Our Reporter adds: The figures regarding tiger population in the State was provided by the Divisional Forest Officer (Wildlife and Territorial), Tura through a statement issued to this newspaper. The statement only mentioned the number of tigers in Garo Hills and not of the entire State.

Yours etc.,
B. Mawrie
Via e-mail

The Karbi Longri National Liberation Front (KLNLF) detonated the bomb at 12.45 pm in the busy Howraghat vegetable market on Netaji Subhash Road.

Eighteen seriously injured persons had been referred to Nagaon civil Hospital in neighbouring Nagaon district. Others were discharged after first aid.

The police had received intelligence inputs that the KLNLF had plans to launch a series of explosions in the district at the behest of the ULFA with which it has close links, the sources said.

Two KLNLF militants were arrested by security forces on Tuesday. (PTI)

Conveying this to the media on Thursday, the families committee for observation of April 13, 1982 convener Th. Ranjit said that the observation program has been held since 1990 till date.

Nine PLA men were killed by the army on April 13, 1982 at Kondompokpi under Lamsang police station in Imphal West district. The memorial tombs of the deceased persons have been laid at Cheiraoching in Imphal West district where family members, well wishers and friends of the nine persons paid floral tribute to the departed souls at the memorial site every year on April 13. (NNN)

The university's new Vice Chancellor, Dr K K Deka on Thursday said, such a BBA course for pilots only was being introduced in the country by any university for the first time.

Speaking at a felicitation programme, Dr Deka said, under the Bachelor of Business Administration Flying course, working pilots could enrol themselves for pursuing the course in the long distance mode. As Class 12 pass was the only educational criteria for undergoing pilots training, he said, the BBA would offer them better career furthering prospects.

Being the only university to have a petroleum technology department in view of the oil majors ONGC and Oil India Ltd operating in upper Assam, the V C said, with the department's infrastructure a Btech programme in petroleum technology enginnering would be started. With the department of pharmaceuticals awarding B. Pharm and M.Pharm degrees, Deka said, pharmaceutical engineering course would also be started. (PTI)

Agartala: Tripura Animal Resource Development (ARD) officials have sent more bird samples to Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (ADDL), Bhopal following unnatural death of more than a thousand of poultry birds in Bangladesh bordering Sonamura and Sadar North of West Tripura and Belonia in South Tripura on Wednesday.

ARD officials suspected that the bird flu virus might spread in these areas from Bangladesh. The state government had issued a ban on consumption of poultry products.

The officials said over 21,000 birds had been eliminated in different parts of the Kamalpur Subdivision in Dhalai district since culling operation began on April 8 last. Till yesterday 12,000 birds were culled.

"Besides, killing of birds we have also destroyed nearly 4500 eggs and 70kg feed," said Commissioner of Animal Resource Development Mr U Venkateswarulu and added that the administration provided a compensation of total Rs 9.14 lakh so far over the past two days to the victim families. (UNI)

Itanagar: It seems to be the happiest moment for Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu, as his government completed one year in office on Wednesday.

''It is with immense satisfaction that I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the people of the state on the completion of one year of my government'' Mr Khandu in his message to the people said.

Mr Khandu had revolted against Gegong Apang, who had ruled the state for 23 years, and dethroned him this day last year.

''The day I took over as the Chief Minister there were expectations amidst apprehensions that delivering the goods would be impossible for me in the given situation. My strength was my cabinet colleagues' faith in me and my Government's watch word that is ''People First'', he added.

The Chief Minister feels that the Centre never neglected his state and was always ready to help it, but things did not materialised due to rampant corruption by the previous government in the state.

He alleged that the central leaders were aware through the intelligence report that the earlier regimes were misusing government money meant for development and therefore, were disinterested in Arunachal's development.

''At the end of a successful year, however, it is for the people to judge the achievements including revival of the Apex Bank, revitalising the Public Distribution System (PDS), getting six base depots of the Food Corporation of India opened in the state to check diversion of ration items and ensuring delivery to the targeted beneficiaries and getting the sanction for the construction of the state Secretariat and Assembly buildings among other things,'' he added.

He pointed out that bringing about the visit of Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and getting huge financial packages with time-bound developmental projects were the other pluses achieved by the government.

Lauding the support he received from his ministerial and legislator colleagues, officers and the people in his mission to march ahead steadily despite criticism from his detractors, Khandu said ''My priority is my people and under my leadership every Arunachalee need to look forward for achieving the goal of self reliant, self sufficiency and progressive state''.

''It was my happiest moment when Indian parliament approved the bill for amendment of Constitution (Scheduled Tribe) Order, 1950 to give effect to the long pending demand of the change of the derogatory nomenclature from Dafla to Nyishi,'' he pointed out. He said whatever his government had achieved towards fulfilment of peoples' aspirations, it was not possible without the blessings of UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and the Prime Minister.

Expressing his gratitude to state Governor General (Retd) J J Singh, the Chief Minister said right from the day Mr Singh assumed the charge, he had been tirelessly working for the greater welfare of the state and its people.

Meanwhile, the state government had decided to celebrate the one year completion of Khandu government with a day-long function here at Indira Gandhi Park on April 15. (UNI)

Agartala: Three separate investigations have been launched by Customs department, Airport Authority of India(AAI) and Tripura state police following the seizure of a huge contraband consignment in Air India's cargo flight, chartered by India Post on April 8 late hours.

According to the police, investigation has been launched and the matter was taken up with its counterparts at Kolkata and Imphal while AAI was asked to conduct inquiry on how the consignment had been boarded on the flight.

Customs officials here seized as many as 178 parcels containing raw leather, animal skins, ganja, Myanmar manufactured cigarettes, pirated Chinese DVDs and Chinese shoes, had been booked by speed post at Imphal and Air India aircraft IC-7901 carrying the parcels took off from Imphal for Kolkata via Agartala.

The cargo cannot be loaded unless the airline staff paste a green sticker on it, said Md Riyajuddin, in charge of India Post cargo service at Imphal, but Air India officials said, ''We only provide the crew and we are responsible for maintenance of nothing more. However, we have ordered a high level inquiry.''

Deputy Custom Commissioner Sucheta Sreejesh told UNI that it was an audacious and well organised smuggling racket, using government owned channels.

She, however, pointed out that most of the seized packets came from Moreh on the Indo-Myanmar border. Moreover, all recovered cigarettes - Mount Popa, Ruil River and WA Light-- were made in Myanmar, skins of rare animals like bison, deer and wild buffalo were contained in the packets, Mrs Sreejesh said. (UNI)