MANGALDAI : ‘Mahindra Tractor’ , a leading tractor manufacturer of the country in a collaborative effort with Oja Tractors Pvt Ltd has opened its new showroom on March 14 here at Industry Chowk. T K Bharadwaj , the National Customer Care Head of ‘ Mahindra Tractor ’ in presence of several senior officials of the motor company including its NE Area Manager Kishore Tiwari , Implement Sales, Suraj Singh and Service Officer Mukund Kumar ceremonially opened the showroom which is first of its kind in Darrang and Udalguri district and twenty second in the North East . Rajdeep Oja , Managing Director , Oja Tractors Pvt Ltd was also present on the occasion. TK Bharadwaj in its brief inaugural address termed this initiative as a boon for the mechanised farm practice in the agriculturally potential area. This was followed by an open interaction between the local farmers and the company officials where nearly fifty progressive farmers took part.

 Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, while addressing the floor of the House during a question raised by MLA Kamalkhya Purkayastha regarding the National Register of Citizens (NRC), said that the final phase of NRC is in the hands of the central government. Replying to the question raised by MLA Purkayastha, CM Sarma said, "The final phase of NRC is in the hands of the central government. The state government has completed the first phase of work. Those nominated in the last NRC out of the total 27 lakh citizens under review will get their Aadhaar cards back. The Chief Minister further said that the government is making all efforts to complete the entire process without any discrepancies and is committed to releasing the final NRC list at the earliest. However, CM Sarma also said that 17 lakh out of 27 lakh citizens were found eligible to get their Aadhaar cards back. Meanwhile, the state is waiting for the budget for the financial year 2024-25, which has been presented today, February 12.

 GUWAHATI :Assam Finance Minister Ajanta Neog presented the Assam Budget 2024-25. Assam Finance Minister Ajanta Neog presented the state budget in the state assembly at 2 pm on Monday. This is his fourth Budget. Niyog has earlier said that this Budget will be realistic. The budget session of the state Assembly started on February 5 and will conclude on February 28. Last year, the Commission had presented the budget with a total outlay of Rs 3.21 lakh crore. In other news, the Assam cabinet has approved the Assam Healing (Prevention of Evil) Practices Bill, 2024, which aims to curb fraudulent medical practices in the state. The state cabinet of Assam led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma approved the Assam Healing (Prevention of Evil) Practices Bill, 2024 at a meeting held at Lok Sewa Bhawan, Guwahati on Sunday. Assam Finance Minister Ajanta Neog announced several major announcements during the state budget presentation today. These measures are aimed at removing unemployment, enhancing infrastructure and supporting religious pilgrimages. Starting with a significant boost for job seekers, the budget will provide an unemployed shift

 GUWAHATI:On 16 Dec 23 afternoon, due to snowfall & inclement weather, more than 800 tourists including elderly, women & children got stranded in High Altitude Areas of East Sikkim. Troops of Trishakti Corps swung into immediate action and rescued the stranded tourists. The rescue missions are still on and the tourists are being moved to safe areas & provided shelter, warm clothing, medical aid and hot meals. The soldiers vacated their barracks to enable accommodation of the stranded tourists. The quick reaction by the troops provided relief and comfort to the stranded tourists under inclement weather conditions. The stranded Tourists expressed their deep gratitude for the immediate relief provided by the Army. Indian Army while guarding the border in Super High-Altitude areas of the Himalayas, remains proactive in providing assistance to tourists and local population.

 MANGALDAI : Biswajyoti Sarmah, an educated young fish grower from Darrang district bagged the best fish seed grower of the State award 2023. The award carries a certificate , a trophy ,a traditional cheleng sadar and a gamosa. The award was handed over to him in the centrally organized world fisheries day celebration at the office of the State Directorate of Fishery , Birubari , Guwahati on November 21 last in presence of the Paban Kumar Borthakur , chief secretary of Assam , Rakesh Kumar , commissioner and secretary of the State Fishery department , Gurujyoti Das , chairman, Assam Fishery Development Corporation , Sushila Hazarika, chairperson , Fishfed, Asaam , senior officials of the State Fishery department and others. Biswajyoti Sarmah , a resident of Hazarikapara . Sipajhar, after completion of his graduation unlike other youths. didn’t waste time running after government or private jobs and had taken up fish farming as the means of self employment. He had started fish farming initially with a stocking tank of 0.40 Hectare and now he has increased his farm up to 4.0 Hectare water area. In the year 2004, he constructed 3 nos. of stocking tank with an area in between 0.80 Hectare and 0.67 Hectare in a low-lying area with the help of bank loan. ‘ In the initial years, I couldn’t utilize the full potential of the tanks due to lack of some scientific management practices in my farm. In the year 2007 I came in touch with the district Fisheries department and following participation in several training and awareness programme of the department, This helped me a lot to gain practical knowledge in scientific fish culture and achieved a substantial return at the end of the culture period in comparison to earlier years.’, said Biswajyoti Sarmah about the turning point of his success while talking to ANN. Thus the annual production level was raised from earlier 2000 kg per Hectare to near about 3000 kg in equal water area. In due course of time, he again invested money for construction of another stocking and nursery tank. Subsequently he has established one Eco-Hatchery where he is producing approximate 400-450 lakhs spawn of IMC and Exotic carp annually. Meanwhile, the artificial breeding of indigenous small fish species namely Mola and Puntius was done successfully in his fish farm in collaboration with World Fish. Presently he is producing an average of 3.50 MT per Hectare of table size fish annually. Further, he has also started to produce carried over seeds at his own farm and it is supplied to the farmers of the nearby Districts. He has earned approximate total Rs 18.50 lakhs annually from his all fishery related activities as net income. Progressive fish grower Biswajyoti Sarmah has attributed his success in fish seed productions to the support received from the State Fisheries department and World Fish with special mention about Bipul Khataniar , the district fisheries development officer and Dr Dhrubajyoti Sarma. MD. Fishfed , Assam. Recently he attended the sixteenth agricultural science congress 2023 held in Kerala where he along with the officials of the World Fish demonstrated a presentation on induced breeding and mass seed production of pool barb- a nutrient small indigenous fish species in Assam.

 MANGALDAI :: A scholarship based one year training programme for the meritorious UPSC/APSC aspirants belonging to the economically weaker sections of Darrang was launched on October 29 last under the aegis of the district unit of the Dr Hedgewar Seva Samiti. In this connection an inaugural function was organised here at the district library auditorium which was attended by around five hundred enthusiastic audience including students, guardians , teachers, civil servants and others. Speaking on the occasion as an guest speaker Dr Jayanta Biswa Sarma, an UK based senior physician and a progressive thinker cum writer said that it's very much encouraging to be an aspirant for the civil service to serve the country, since the development mechanism of the whole country lies in the hands of the civil servants while existence of the politicians are temporary. But becoming an IAS is not ' be all , end of all' . If that would have been the case , recruitment of several hundreds of highly meritorious civil servants every year could have taken the degree of development of the country to a significant height since independence. ‘However preparing for the service would help anyone to acquire huge knowledge which in return assure him to achieve a dignified position in future.’, he added. On the otherhand, participating in an interactive session with the participants, Vinaysheel Choudhary, Director of Sukalp IAS academy which is also a co partner of the programme said that selected aspirations will be guided and mentored both in off-line and online mode and help them with a road map, statistics, dos and don'ts etc essential to achieve the goal . He expressed his observations that for an aspirant who has a clear conception over the NCERT syllabus from class VIII to XII, could develop a habit of studying 12 hours a day and regulary follows the editorials of leading news paper like the Assam Tribune for current affairs at least for a year, cracking UPSC is not at all a difficult task. He also introduced Pranab Borah and Manjil Barman who will be associated with the programme as the resource persons. Mangaldai Loksabha MP Dilip Saikia, Darrang district commissioner Munindra Nath Ngatey, senior office bearers of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangha ( RSS) Rathindra Sinha and Prafulla Boro also delivered inspirational speeches. Earlier Rana Basistha, convener of the programme gave a brief outline on the objectives of the programme.

 MANGALDAI::‘Titan’ , a pioneer wrist watch manufacturing company of India has strengthened its marketing base in the central Assam by opening its first authorized show room in Mangaldai , the district head quarter town of Darrang . Titan joined hands with ‘Regal Watch and Electronics ‘ , a pioneer local trading unit in this field and located at LNB road of the town. Mukul Chandra Deka, a leading industrialist of the state and the President of Mangaldai Chambers of Commerce on September 25 ceremonially opened the show room by lightening the lamp and cutting a cake in presence of several officials of the company including Sagar Jindal , Titan marketing officer , NE zone , Sanjeev Jain, Director , Shubh Samay , CNF of Titan , NE zone, Sevak Mazumdar proprietor of 'Regal Watch and Electronics and others.

 GUWAHATI : Assam Governor and visitor of Assam Don Bosco University Shri Gulab Chand Kataria while addressing the convocation of the university said, “Education and degrees should not be limited only to the purpose of job, rather they should nurture the faculties like social responsibility, service to the nation and humanity etc.” Delivering his address at the 12th Convocation of Assam Don Bosco University at Tapesia campus in Sonapur here today, Governor Shri Kataria extended his heartfelt congratulations to the graduates, emphasizing that Convocation is the perfect occasion to celebrate years of tireless effort and dedication. He encouraged students to consider how their knowledge and expertise can serve as a guiding beacon for the development of individuals and society. He also said that education and degrees should not be limited only to the purpose of a job, rather they should help the students to nurture the qualities like social responsibility, fellow feeling, service to the nation and humanity. Education should be a medium to spread the message of unity and integrity in the country. The Governor acknowledged the pivotal role that teachers play in shaping students for the future and he underscored their contribution to nation-building activities. He stressed that the collective efforts of hardworking students in Amrit Kaal will give the nation much needed boast to positioning the nation on the global stage as super power. The Governor also said, “You are the new and young workforce of our country. You are going to join millions of youth with your individual dream, vision, innovative ideas to steer the growth of the nation. I am confident that you will also make good use of the education and knowledge acquired from the university and work for development of the country.” The Governor said that the latest technological development in the field of education has changed the academic landscape of the country. There have been many revolutionary changes in the processes of teaching in higher educational institutions in India. To match the best universities and colleges of the world, the institutions of higher education are adopting new and innovative trends in teaching methods. The Governor also asked the graduates to be prepared for new changes taking place in the education sector. He on the occasion also complemented Assam Don Bosco University for taking adequate steps for implementing the National Education Policy 2020. Shri Kataria also said that the Government of India has placed greater emphasis on research in the National Education Policy, thereby promoting technical education and skill development. He also said that under the National Education Policy, reforms are being made in the education system to provide quality education. The Governor also hailed the remarkable achievement of a record number of female graduates. He highlighted the outstanding accomplishments of women across various fields, from ISRO to the nation's borders. He also expressed confidence that with more opportunities, they can continue to play a significant role in advancing the nation's development. In the convocation, degrees were conferred on 1286 students of which 555 students received bachelor's degree in Engineering & Technology, Arts and Basic Sciences and 731 students received Master’s degree in various branches of Engineering, Science, Humanities and Management. Doctoral degrees were conferred on to 23 accomplished scholars. The Chancellor, Fr. Januarius Sangma, Vice Chancellor, Fr. (Dr) Jose Palley and Pro Vice Chancellor Fr Joseph Nellnatt, Directors of Schools, Heads of Departments, faculty members, students and eminent dignitaries from all over the country attended the convocation.

 GUWAHATI : Assam Governor and visitor of Assam Don Bosco University Shri Gulab Chand Kataria while addressing the convocation of the university said, “Education and degrees should not be limited only to the purpose of job, rather they should nurture the faculties like social responsibility, service to the nation and humanity etc.” Delivering his address at the 12th Convocation of Assam Don Bosco University at Tapesia campus in Sonapur here today, Governor Shri Kataria extended his heartfelt congratulations to the graduates, emphasizing that Convocation is the perfect occasion to celebrate years of tireless effort and dedication. He encouraged students to consider how their knowledge and expertise can serve as a guiding beacon for the development of individuals and society. He also said that education and degrees should not be limited only to the purpose of a job, rather they should help the students to nurture the qualities like social responsibility, fellow feeling, service to the nation and humanity. Education should be a medium to spread the message of unity and integrity in the country. The Governor acknowledged the pivotal role that teachers play in shaping students for the future and he underscored their contribution to nation-building activities. He stressed that the collective efforts of hardworking students in Amrit Kaal will give the nation much needed boast to positioning the nation on the global stage as super power. The Governor also said, “You are the new and young workforce of our country. You are going to join millions of youth with your individual dream, vision, innovative ideas to steer the growth of the nation. I am confident that you will also make good use of the education and knowledge acquired from the university and work for development of the country.” The Governor said that the latest technological development in the field of education has changed the academic landscape of the country. There have been many revolutionary changes in the processes of teaching in higher educational institutions in India. To match the best universities and colleges of the world, the institutions of higher education are adopting new and innovative trends in teaching methods. The Governor also asked the graduates to be prepared for new changes taking place in the education sector. He on the occasion also complemented Assam Don Bosco University for taking adequate steps for implementing the National Education Policy 2020. Shri Kataria also said that the Government of India has placed greater emphasis on research in the National Education Policy, thereby promoting technical education and skill development. He also said that under the National Education Policy, reforms are being made in the education system to provide quality education. The Governor also hailed the remarkable achievement of a record number of female graduates. He highlighted the outstanding accomplishments of women across various fields, from ISRO to the nation's borders. He also expressed confidence that with more opportunities, they can continue to play a significant role in advancing the nation's development. In the convocation, degrees were conferred on 1286 students of which 555 students received bachelor's degree in Engineering & Technology, Arts and Basic Sciences and 731 students received Master’s degree in various branches of Engineering, Science, Humanities and Management. Doctoral degrees were conferred on to 23 accomplished scholars. The Chancellor, Fr. Januarius Sangma, Vice Chancellor, Fr. (Dr) Jose Palley and Pro Vice Chancellor Fr Joseph Nellnatt, Directors of Schools, Heads of Departments, faculty members, students and eminent dignitaries from all over the country attended the convocation.

 GUWAHATI : Assam Governor and visitor of Assam Don Bosco University Shri Gulab Chand Kataria while addressing the convocation of the university said, “Education and degrees should not be limited only to the purpose of job, rather they should nurture the faculties like social responsibility, service to the nation and humanity etc.” Delivering his address at the 12th Convocation of Assam Don Bosco University at Tapesia campus in Sonapur here today, Governor Shri Kataria extended his heartfelt congratulations to the graduates, emphasizing that Convocation is the perfect occasion to celebrate years of tireless effort and dedication. He encouraged students to consider how their knowledge and expertise can serve as a guiding beacon for the development of individuals and society. He also said that education and degrees should not be limited only to the purpose of a job, rather they should help the students to nurture the qualities like social responsibility, fellow feeling, service to the nation and humanity. Education should be a medium to spread the message of unity and integrity in the country. The Governor acknowledged the pivotal role that teachers play in shaping students for the future and he underscored their contribution to nation-building activities. He stressed that the collective efforts of hardworking students in Amrit Kaal will give the nation much needed boast to positioning the nation on the global stage as super power. The Governor also said, “You are the new and young workforce of our country. You are going to join millions of youth with your individual dream, vision, innovative ideas to steer the growth of the nation. I am confident that you will also make good use of the education and knowledge acquired from the university and work for development of the country.” The Governor said that the latest technological development in the field of education has changed the academic landscape of the country. There have been many revolutionary changes in the processes of teaching in higher educational institutions in India. To match the best universities and colleges of the world, the institutions of higher education are adopting new and innovative trends in teaching methods. The Governor also asked the graduates to be prepared for new changes taking place in the education sector. He on the occasion also complemented Assam Don Bosco University for taking adequate steps for implementing the National Education Policy 2020. Shri Kataria also said that the Government of India has placed greater emphasis on research in the National Education Policy, thereby promoting technical education and skill development. He also said that under the National Education Policy, reforms are being made in the education system to provide quality education. The Governor also hailed the remarkable achievement of a record number of female graduates. He highlighted the outstanding accomplishments of women across various fields, from ISRO to the nation's borders. He also expressed confidence that with more opportunities, they can continue to play a significant role in advancing the nation's development. In the convocation, degrees were conferred on 1286 students of which 555 students received bachelor's degree in Engineering & Technology, Arts and Basic Sciences and 731 students received Master’s degree in various branches of Engineering, Science, Humanities and Management. Doctoral degrees were conferred on to 23 accomplished scholars. The Chancellor, Fr. Januarius Sangma, Vice Chancellor, Fr. (Dr) Jose Palley and Pro Vice Chancellor Fr Joseph Nellnatt, Directors of Schools, Heads of Departments, faculty members, students and eminent dignitaries from all over the country attended the convocation.

 GUWAHATi :In a move to fuel growth through self-employment and self-sufficiency, Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma today launched Chief Minister’s Atmanirbhar Asom Abhijan 2023 at a function held at Janata Bhawan here today. Dr. Sarma on the occasion also launched a registration portal. It may be noted that under the scheme, financial aid will be given to two lakh youth for creating a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem. This scheme aims at facilitating self-employment among educated youth, creating entrepreneur oriented ecosystem in the state, generate employment via new ventures, financial assistance to individuals to set up or expand existing enterprises, increase focus on rural economy, and increase the seed capital amount through bank linkages where feasible. Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Dr. Sarma said that the scheme has been designed to create self-employment avenues in the state to enable the youth to fuel development of the state. He also said that the scheme has the potential to strengthen the rural economy. He also said that the unemployed degree holders in engineering, MBBS, BDS, agriculture, animal husbandry, fishery etc will be kept in the first category and will be given Rs. 5 lakh. On the other hand unemployed Post graduates, general graduates, ITI, Polytechnic pass-outs will be kept in the second category for government assistance of Rs. 2 lakh. He also said that in the first category out of Rs. 5 lakh, the beneficiaries will have to return Rs. 2.5 lakh without any interests and the remaining amount will be government assistance. Similarly, in the second category Rs. 1 lakh will be government subsidy and remaining Rs. 1 lakh will have to be paid back by the beneficiary without any interests. He also said that under the scheme, targeted sectors will be agriculture and horticulture, stationery, poultry, dairy, goat farming, piggery, fisheries, packaging, readymade garments, fabrication, plantation- bamboo, rubber, agar etc, wood based industries etc. He said that one member from one family shall be eligible for the scheme and the applicant will be registered with the employment exchange. Environment and Forests Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary, Water Resources Minister Pijush Hazarika, Agriculture Minister Atul Bora, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Jogen Mohan, Industries and Commerce Minister Bimal Borah, Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Ashok Singhal, Finance Minister Ajanta Neog, PHE Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah, Power Minister Nandita Garlosa, Tea Tribe Welfare Minister Sanjay Kishan, Chief Secretary Paban Kumar Borthakur and a host of other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

  Guwahati: The Manipur government on Friday night warned those who looted weapons to deposit weapons within 15 days, otherwise strict legal action would be taken against them. A release has been issued from the office of Chief Minister N Biren Singh. It said all illegal weapons possessed by any individual or group across the state should be deposited immediately or within a period of 15 days from Friday. The state government is also ready to consider the case of persons depositing such illegal weapons within these 15 days. After 15 days, security forces of both the Centre and the state will carry out extensive search operations across the state to recover the weapons, the statement said. All persons associated with any illegal weapon will be dealt with seriously as per law. There have been reports of extortion, threats and kidnapping by miscreants/groups using these illegal weapons. "This is a serious matter," the release said. The state government will take strict action against such miscreants/groups in any part of the state. He appealed to the people of the state to cooperate with the Centre and the state government in restoring peace and normalcy in the state. Accepting the recommendations of the Manipur Human Rights Commission (MHRC), the state government on Thursday directed the Director General of Police to recover the weapons and ammunition looted during the ethnic riots from the armoury of security forces and the Churachandpur gun shop. According to various reports, mobs, attackers and militants looted more than 4,000 different types of sophisticated weapons and lakhs of different types of ammunition from police stations and police posts during the ethnic riots that broke out on May 3. Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh has said that mobile internet services, which were suspended in the wake of ethnic violence that erupted in the northeastern state since May 3, will be restored from Saturday. CM Biren has also appealed to cancel the free movement system. Under this, people living on both sides of the Indo-Myanmar border are allowed to go inside each other's territory for 16 km without any documents. "The government had suspended mobile internet services on May 3 to check the spread of fake news, propaganda and hate content, but as the situation has improved, mobile internet services will be restored across the state from today," Singh said at a press conference. Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh said, "The government will continue to tackle the problem of illegal immigrants. He said there was a need to fence the Indo-Myanmar border. As one of the strategic measures, the Free Movement Arrangement (FMR) with Myanmar that allows people from both sides to travel up to 16 km inside the other country is currently suspended, they said. The Centre has been requested to permanently close the agreement in the state.He said a joint committee of the Narcotics Control Bureau and the Narcotics and Affairs of Border (NAB) has been formed to survey and destroy opium plantations. Expressing his anguish over people showing disrespect to the government by using derogatory words, he said the government can successfully deal with all issues with the support of the public. However, fresh clashes broke out in Manipur's Imphal West on September 22 when one of the five village defence volunteers who were released was re-arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). While four of those released were handed over to the family after getting bail, Moirangthem Anand, a former cadre of the banned People's Liberation Army, was re-arrested in another 10-year-old case.

 GUWAHATI : A new scheme, Mukhyamantrir Atmanirbharshil Asom Abhiyan will be launched in the state soon. In this connection, a video conference was held by Chief Minister Dr.Himanta Biswa Sarma with the Chief Secretary and senior officials from the conference hall of Assam House here on Wednesday, where the details of the scheme on the anvil were discussed threadbare to pave the way for its finalisation. The Chief Minister later disclosed to mediapersons that the new scheme would provide financial assistance for Rs.two lakh each to two lakh youth for making them self-independent. Sarma also said that the registration process for the new scheme would begin on September 23-24. MP, Pabitra Margherita, Additional Chief Secretary, Home & Political, Dr.Ravi Kota and Resident Commissioner, M.S.Manivannan attended the meeting which lasted for almost 40 minutes.

 GUWAHATI : A new scheme, Mukhyamantrir Atmanirbharshil Asom Abhiyan will be launched in the state soon. In this connection, a video conference was held by Chief Minister Dr.Himanta Biswa Sarma with the Chief Secretary and senior officials from the conference hall of Assam House here on Wednesday, where the details of the scheme on the anvil were discussed threadbare to pave the way for its finalisation. The Chief Minister later disclosed to mediapersons that the new scheme would provide financial assistance for Rs.two lakh each to two lakh youth for making them self-independent. Sarma also said that the registration process for the new scheme would begin on September 23-24. MP, Pabitra Margherita, Additional Chief Secretary, Home & Political, Dr.Ravi Kota and Resident Commissioner, M.S.Manivannan attended the meeting which lasted for almost 40 minutes.

 GUWAHATI : Assam Governor Shri Gulab Chand Kataria took briefing of the activities of the Fishery department in the presence of Fishery Minister Parimal Suklabaidya in the conference hall of Raj Bhavan today. Commissioner and Secretary of the department Rakesh Kumar gave a detailed presentation of the activities and achievements of all the schemes of the department. The Governor said that the department is very important for the economic growth of the state. Therefore, adequate emphasis should be put on the development of fishery sector of the state. The sector has also the potential for creating entrepreneurial ventures and self employment avenues. The Governor took stock of different schemes and how are they helping in increasing fish production of the state. Shri Kataria also emphasized on involving workers on as frequently as possible under MGNREGA for making fishery. Taking stock of the fish feed, and considering the lack of it in Assam, the Governor asked the department to talk to the Assam Agricultural University and Fishery College, Raha and look for the possibility of producing fish feed locally for the benefits of the entrepreneurs and the sector. The Governor also asked the department to depute one person from each district who will be exclusively looking after the availability of fish feed. Shri Kataria also advocated for joining the Amrit Sarovars with fisheries and engage the SHGs in the fish cultivation. The meeting was attended among others by the Commissioner and Secretary to the Governor S.S. Meenakshi Sundaram, Secretary to the Governor Swapna Dutta Deka, Chairman, AFDC Ltd Guru Jyoti Das, Chairman FISHFED Sushila Hazarika, Secretary Fisheries Department Kavyashree Mahanta, Vice-Chairman AFDC Ltd,. Nabarun Medhi, Managing Director- FISHFED, & Nodal Officer- APART (World Bank Fund) Directorate of Fisheries, Dr. D. J. Sarma, Vice-Chairman FISHFED Dillu Sharma along with a host of other senior officials. With a keen interest to develop the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary department as a major contributor to strengthen livestock population, Assam Governor Gulab Chand Kataria took briefing of the activities of the department in the presence of the departmental minister Atul Bora in the conference hall of Raj Bhavan today. Principal Secretary of the department Manish Thakur gave a detailed presentation of the activities of the department. The presentation highlighted the livestock population of the state, steps taken towards departmental reforms and strengthening of the service delivery system through infrastructure, logistics, manpower and medicines. He also highlighted the status and achievements of the centrally and state sponsored schemes. The Governor asked the department to strengthen the network of milk collection centres to empower the milk farmers as well as to enable them to get the maximum value for their milk. He also said that more cooperative societies should be set up and strengthened to strengthen the dairy sector. He also asked the department to put in more efforts to expedite its efforts of reaching out to the farmers. . The Governor highlighted that PMs dream of doubling the farmers income can be achieved if the farmers get engaged in cattle rearing, poultry and dairy production along with their agricultural practices. The Agriculture Minister expressed happiness for being invited by the Governor for the briefing and he said that he is confident that under the guidance of the Governor and the Chief Minister the department will work better to expedite the growth trajectory of Assam. The meeting was attended among others by the Commissioner and Secretary to the Governor S.S. Meenakshi Sundaram, Secretary to the Governor Swapna Dutta Deka, Director Dairy Dev and I/C Director AHVD Rahul Javir Suresh, MD ALPCO Anil Dewri, CEO ALDA Monideep Das along with a host of other senior officials.

 GUWAHATI : Assam Governor Shri Gulab Chand Kataria took a briefing of the activities of the P& RD department in the presence of its Minister Ranjit Kumar Dass in the conference hall of Raj Bhavan today where Principal Secretary of the department Dr. J.B. Ekka gave a detailed presentation of the activities and achievements of all the schemes of the department. The Governor said that he had already travelled 28 districts of Assam and witnessed the progress achieved by the department towards rural development. He expressed satisfaction that in some areas, the schemes made phenomenal progress and achieved more successes, while in others the successes are not as comprehensive as they should be. Therefore, the Governor sought more departmental intervention. Speaking about PM Awas Yojana, the Governor asked the department to set time bound targets and try to achieve the targets for the benefits of the people. The Governor also asked the department to make press briefing from time to time regarding the schemes that the department is implementing for the welfare of the people living in the rural areas. With regard to the Amrit Brikshya Andolan, where the state made an emphatic record of planting one crore saplings of the tress having commercial value, the Governor asked the department to engage people under MGNREGA to look after the plants at least for one year until they grow to a certain height. He also asked the department to depute an officer who will be exclusively dedicated to monitoring the implementation of the schemes at the block level. Moreover, the Governor also asked the department to engage the workers under MGNREGA for cultivating horticultural plants like papaya, banana, avocado and other cash crops as a pilot project as these fruits have high market value. The Governor also asked the department to study the life style change brought about by PM’s Awas Yojana among the beneficiaries who got better dwelling houses under the scheme. This is required to increase the magnitude of the scheme with regard to its access and reach. The Governor also asked the department to hold programmes at the rural areas and discuss the success stories of woman entrepreneurs of SHGs for generating awareness among the villagers. The Governor also asked the department to try raise funds through CSR and set up training centres for imparting skill training. The Minister of the department Ranjit Kumar Dass expressed happiness and thanked the Governor for taking a briefing of the department. He said that under the guidance of the PM, Governor and the Chief Minister, the department has been working diligently for the all round development of the rural areas and the people living there. The meeting was attended among others by Commissioner and Secretary to the Governor S.S. Meenakshi Sundaram, Secretary to the Governor Swapna Dutta Deka, Secretary Panchayat & Rural Development Pushpanjali Das, Commissioner, Panchayat & Rural Development Jay Shivani, Mission Director, ASRLM Krishna Barua along with a host of other senior officials.

 GUWAHATI : Under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma and Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Ashok Singhal, Assam's Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) program is making remarkable strides in realizing the vision of sustainable housing for all. As of September 22, 2023, this visionary initiative has approved an impressive 551 Detailed Project Reports (DPRs), signaling the green light for 1,72,544 dwelling units. Importantly, an impressive 1,64,367 houses have already touched the ground, a testament to unwavering commitment. The financial front is equally inspiring, with a substantial Central Share (CS) of Rs. 1526.52 Crores and a corresponding state share of Rs. 546.15 Crores. Every rupee has been meticulously invested, and Utilization Certificates (UCs) have been dutifully submitted to the Government of India and the Government of Assam. The total expenditure now stands at an impressive Rs. 2072.67 Crores. But PMAY(U)'s impact doesn't stop at housing. The Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS) has extended a lifeline to 3,466 beneficiaries by sanctioning and releasing interest subsidies totaling an impressive Rs. 79.79 Crores. While CLSS benefits concluded after March 31, 2022, its legacy lives on. Demonstration Housing Projects (DHPs) are showcasing a path forward. A project in Fatasil Ambari, comprising 40 Dwelling Units, is under active construction, embodying the program's commitment to inclusivity and progress. The In-Situ Slum Redevelopment (ISSR) component is gaining momentum, with a project of 64 Dwelling Units sanctioned by Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), Government of India, in North Lakhimpur Municipal Board. Construction is advancing rapidly, promising improved living conditions for those in need. The success of PMAY (U) is attributed to the adoption of best practices that go beyond bricks and mortar. These practices include an enhanced State subsidy, additional support for the economically weaker sections, empowerment of landless beneficiaries, and community engagement through innovative initiatives like foundation laying stone ceremonies and housewarming celebrations. Notably, Hon'ble Chief Minister, Assam, has personally penned appreciation letters to over 1,05,247 PMAY-U beneficiaries, reinforcing the government's commitment to individual well-being. Furthermore, the "Back Log Clearance Drive 2023" is already yielding remarkable results, with 1,410 delayed houses completed and 1,308 non-started houses now under construction. In sum, Assam's Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana - Housing for All – Urban is a beacon of hope, progress, and community empowerment. These milestones, achievements, and best practices underscore the dedication of the Government of Assam to transform lives and ensure that the dream of owning a home becomes a reality for all. It may be recalled that on June 25, 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi initiated the groundbreaking Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) program, with the primary aim of providing sustainable housing solutions to underprivileged urban families across the nation by 2022. A significant development occurred on August 10, 2022, when the Union Cabinet granted approval to extend the scheme's duration until December 31, 2024.

  GUWAHATI : India shares a 3,488-km-long border with China. This border passes through Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh. This border has been divided into three sectors i.e. Western Sector i.e. Jammu and Kashmir, Middle Sector i.e. Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand and Eastern Sector i.e. Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh. India claims Aksai Chin in the western sector, but this area is currently under China's control. During the 1962 war with India, China occupied this entire area. In the eastern sector, China claims Arunachal Pradesh as its own. China says it is part of southern Tibet. China also does not recognise the McMahon Line between Tibet and Arunachal Pradesh. A senior Indian Army officer and an ITBP official said that four new battalions of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police will be deployed in the North-East to enhance security along the Indo-China border. They will be sent to 47 new posts. They will be deployed at 34 posts in Arunachal Pradesh.The Union Cabinet had in February approved the creation of seven new battalions and border bases, leading to an increase of 9,400 personnel in the Indo-Tibetan Border Police force. Out of these 7, 4 are ready for deployment. The remaining 3 battalions will be ready by 2025. This decision has come when the border dispute between the two countries has been discussed at the Major General level in Daulat Beg Oldi and Chushul area. This also matters because in the meantime, India is worried that Chinese President Xi Jinping did not attend the G-20 summit in India. These camps will provide ration, logistics and accommodation to ITBP during long range patrolling along the Himalayan border. Staging camps serve as temporary BOPs. Also, reduce the distance of the post on the border in difficult times. The new troops will be deployed at 47 new border outposts (BOPs) and a dozen staging camps along the country's northern border. According to the Economic Times report, 34 of these posts are in Arunachal Pradesh, where the area is very difficult. According to the report, 34 of these posts are in Arunachal Pradesh, where the area is very difficult. The rest of the posts will be built in the western region. There are currently 180 BOPs.

 MANGALDAI : Mangaldai Loksabha MP Dilip Saikia is very much hopeful of President of India Draupadi Murmu's visit to Patharighat the land of historic Pathorughat peasants' uprising near here . ' I am very much hopeful that during the next tour to Assam, President Draupadi Murmu would visit Patharighat since Rastrapati had shown her keen interest in the subject and asked me to remind her ahead of her next tour to Assam. ' . MP Saikia was sharing his fruitful experience of meeting President Murmu at Rastrapati Bhawan on August 9 last with a request to her regarding visit to the historic place . While receiving felicitation in public from scribes' body Mangaldai Media Circle ( MMC) at Youth Club here in the evening of September 4 in recognition of his recent initiative in carrying forward the matter before the President of India for the first time since Independence , MP Saikia further said that the first ever meeting with a President of India in a bid to draw her attention to the glorious but ignored chapter of India's freedom struggle has turned out to be very successful as the President acknowledged the efforts of the four member delegation in bringing it to national level. President Murmu advised MP to share her the available list of the 'Krishak Swahids' . As promised in the brief half an hour meeting the President already forwarded the prayer of Mangaldai Media Circle, for a national memorial to the ministry of cultural affairs, government of India with a copy to the media organization. MP Saikia added that the initiative to bring the historic issue to the national level is over and now it's the time to strongly establish it at the national level through united efforts of all sections of the society so that new generations of the country get inspired by the story of high degree of patriotism and communal brotherhood. He appealed to the public present to get prepared to welcome the President of India to their native at any moment. MMC also accorded felicitation to Sipajhar MLA Dr Paramananda Rajbongshi for his strong supportive role in the noble initiative. led by MP Saikia. The function attended by former Mangaldai MLA Gurujyoti Das , vice chairperson of Assam women commission Nilima Devi , principal, Mangaldai college, Dr Kamala Kanta Borah, chairman Mangaldai development authority Pratap Bordoloi , president Mangaldai chambers of commerce , Mukul Ch Deka and many local leading citizens also witnessed felicitation to Darrang district commissioner Munindra Nath Ngatey for receiving the first National Bhoomi Sanman award-2023 from the President of India for achieving outstanding results in the technological land reform system in the district. The function conducted by MMC president Bhargab Kumar Das earlier began with the lighting of ceremonial lamp in deep tribute to Mahapurush Madhab Dev followed by a 'Bargeet' performed by Rintimani Deka where as Mayukh Goswami , secretary of MMC explained its objectives. A delegation of local NGO, Crystal Vision consisting of its secretary Manabendra Baruah , assistant secretary Monmohan Deka and organosing secretary Sekhar Mazumdar , ' Mangaldai sub-division primary school teachers' association' led by its president Pawan Kr Jha and secretary Bijay Deka, the Sipajhar assembly unit of Asom Gana Parishad led by its president Naba Deka and others also greeted MP along with Sipajhar MLA and Darrang DC

 MANGALDAI :: In connection with the celebration of the Independence day and as a mark of respect to the sacrifices of the freedom fighters of the India’s freedom struggle , local NGO, Crystal Vision organized mobile blood donation camps here at different locations of Mangaldai on August 14 . The blood donation programme technically supported by the district health society, State Blood Transfusion Council, Assam and blood bank centre of Mangaldai civil hospital and assisted by Mangaldai college authorities was inaugurated by District Commissioner, Darrang, Munindra Nath Ngatey at the campus of Mangaldai college. In his speech he lauded the untiring efforts of Crystal Vision for long 11 years terming it to be a great commitment towards humanity and the country as a whole This was followed by an awareness meeting on the necessity of voluntary blood donation and participation of the students community was held which was attended by several prominent persons including Dr Nirmal Kumar Beria, joint director of health services , Darrang, Dr Daud Ali , medical officer ,Mangaldai blood bank centre, Dr Kamala Kanta Borah, principal , Mangaldai college, Suvinder Ambawat , deputy commandant, 37 battalion of SSB, Major Hariman Deka, teacher in charge of NCC , Mangaldai college as well as a prominent blood donor and others. The blood collection vehicle later moved to Ramhari and Industrial Estate, Mangaldai . The day long camp collected blood from nearly fifty donors which included , students, NCC members,teachers and staff of Mangaldai college, members of Crystal Vision, the staff and officials of North East Nutrients and SRD Nutrients, Mangaldai and others. Certificates and specially designed ‘T’ shirts were distributed among the donors while donors enjoyed the moment capturing photographs before the selfie point – “ Yes , I feel proud to be a blood donor’.

 GUWAHATI : In a move to modernize the rail infrastructure, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi virtually laid the foundation stones for re-development of 508 stations under Amrit Bharat Scheme across the countrytoday. ShriAshwiniVaishnaw, Union Minister of Railways, Communications, Electronics & Information Technology; Smt. DarshanaJardosh, Union Minister of State for Railways & Textiles and Shri Anil Kumar Lahoti, Chairman & CEO Railway Board were present during the foundation laying ceremony. In line up with the ceremony, Hon’ble Governor of Assam Shri Gulab Chand Kataria; Hon’ble Chief Minister of Assam Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma; Shri Pabitra Margherita, MP (RajyaSabha);Smt. Queen Oja, MP (LokSabha)andShriChetan Kumar Shrivastava, General Manager, Northeast Frontier Railway along with other senior officials of Headquarter and Divisions were virtually connected to the central programme fromNarangiRailway Station. Hon’ble Governor of Nagaland Shri La. Ganesan and Hon’ble Chief Minster of Tripura Dr. Manik Saha were present at Dimapur and Udaipur stations respectively. Local MLAs with state government officials, eminent personalities of the society, war veterans and school children’swere present at various stations to witness the historic ceremony. Speaking on the occasion, Hon’ble Governor of Assam said that, this is a golden era in Northeast rail connectivity and on behalf of the people of Assam thanked Hon’ble PM and Railway Minister for improving rail connectivity in Assam and Northeast states. He also mentioned that, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan has improved the cleanliness in trains and station premises. India Railways is equipped with world class facilities to cope with any Railways of the world, he added. Hon’ble Chief Minister of Assam in his speech mentioned that, it is a matter of pride for the people of Assam that 32 stations in Assam will be modernized under Amrit Railway Stations. He thanked Hon’ble PM and Railway Minister for allocating 10,000 croresin the budgetto improve railway connectivity of Northeast. He said that NFR is doing a tremendous work in undergoing various infrastructural works throughout Northeast like doubling of railway tracks, electrification, conversion of gauge which will help in connecting Northeastern states to mainland. The 508 stations will be redeveloped at a cost of more than Rs 24,470 crores. These stations are spread across 27 states and union territories, including 55 each in Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, 49 in Bihar, 44 in Maharashtra, 37 in West Bengal, 34 in Madhya Pradesh, 32 in Assam, 25 in Odisha, 22 in Punjab, 21 each in Gujarat and Telangana, 20 in Jharkhand, 18 each in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, 15 in Haryana, 13 in Karnataka among others.A total of 91 stations of NFR have been identified under the Amrit Bharat station scheme. The foundation stone for re-development of 56 stations was laid by the Hon’ble Prime Minister today. Out of these 56 stations, 32 stations are in Assam, 03 stations in Tripura, 16 stations in West Bengal, 03 stations in Bihar and one station each in Nagaland and Meghalaya. Speaking on the occasion, Hon’ble Prime Minister said that, the modernization of so many stations will create a new atmosphere for development in the country as they will create a good first impression among the visitors. Upgraded stations will not only increase tourism but will also give a push to economic activities in the nearby areas. He said the ‘One Station One Product’ scheme will help the artisans and will help in the branding of the district.Speaking about the Northeastern states, the PM mentioned that work is going on rapidly on doubling of the lines, gauge conversion, electrification and new routes. Soon, all state capitals of the Northeast will be connected by railway network.The work of commissioning of new lines in Northeasthasincreased three times, he added. The PM specially mentioned about the Dimapur station in Nagaland which will get a facelift displaying its local tribes and ancient culture. He also added that Nagaland got its second Railway Station Shokhuvi after a gap of 100 years. The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme has been launched recently for development of Railway stations over Indian Railways.So far 1309 Stations over Indian Railways have been identified under this scheme for re-development. This scheme envisages development of stations on a continuous basis with a long-term approach.

 Guwahati: Additional 10 companies of Central Armed Forces (CAF) personnel arrived in the violence-hit state of Manipur on August 5 as tension continued in the state. According to an official notice, five companies of the Central Reserve Police Force (CAF), three companies of the Border Security Force (BSF), one company of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and one company of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) reached Manipur on the evening of August 6. The additional deployment of CAF has been made in view of the volatile situation in the northeastern state of Manipur, which has been grappling with ethnic conflicts since May 3, 2023. However, after the outbreak of ethnic conflict in the state of Manipur on May 3, 2023, a total of 623 weapons have been looted in the hill districts by Kuki militants, of which 138 have been recovered till August 6, 2023. Additionally, 8324 weapons were lost in the valley districts, out of which a total of 1,072 have been recovered so far. With more than three months of ethnic conflict, several arms and ammunition have been looted from arsenals in both hilly and valley districts of violence-hit state Manipur. The looting in the hilly districts was carried out by Kuki militants, while weapons were snatched by civilians and villagers in the valley districts. However, the Manipur state government has recovered several weapons that were lost and continue to do so till date. Meanwhile, after more than 90 days of violence, sporadic firing incidents continued in some parts even after curfew was imposed in some districts, where firing between armed miscreants and armed civilians continued. On the other hand, in response to the Manipur state government's failure to call an emergency session of the Manipur Assembly, the Coordination Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), a premier body of various civil organisations, has announced a boycott of the state government with immediate effect.

 MANGALDAI : Since the launching of the National Education Policy (NEP) , 2020 so far more than 1300 students of Darrang district studying in two Kendriya Vidyalayas (KV) have been benefited through different innovative educational curricula . Among those 963 are from KV , Mangaldoi while 342 from the KV ,Dalgaon. Maximum of 410 students are benefited under IE , while 360 under NCF-FS , 126 under Vidya Pravesh and rest 130 through Vidyanjali and Balvatika. This has been informed before the media by Mool Singh Sekhawat , principal, KV , 210 CoBRA , Dalgaon here at KV Mangaldai . Moreover 41 teachers of these two KVs of the district have been benefited through free training programmes . The KV officials were addressing the media on July 27 ahead of the three years completion of the launching of NEP,2020 on Saturday. Earlier Mool Singh Sekhawat while chairing an awareness meeting over the accomplishments of Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) on 3rd anniversary of NEP,2020 underlined different aspects of the new education policy including Re-Alignment of Admission Age- as per 5+3+3+4 structure, opening of Balvatikas-1,2 and 3, NIPUN Bharat-joyful and stress free learning, Balvatika for pre-primary schooling in 500 KVs, VidyaPravesh- 3months play based familiarization with schooling, NCF FS- Jadui Pitara learning by doing, Skill Subject- artificial intelligence and vocational courses from class VI, Parents as Stakeholders- for holistic development students, Vidyanjali Portal- voluntary based service from society to KVs, PM E-VIDYA- with wide variety of e-contents and dedicated TV and Radio channels, Pedagogical Shift & Training to teachers as per NEP guidelines, Toy Based Pedagogy and better learning environment. Principals from the schools under CBSE curriculum of the district including Hitesh Kr. Verma, KV Mangaldoi, Mayavan Gandhi, JNV Darrang, HemantaPayeng, Maharishi VidyaMandir, Shyamoli Das, Holy Child Public School, SangeetaAdhikari Sarkar, Gurukul Group of Educational Wing and National Awardee Teacher, Sashanka Hazarika and others were also present on the occasion.

 GUWAHATI : On August 1 last year, former principal of Prachim Shilpukhuri Adarsha Higher Secondary School and one of the saints of Sattriya culture, mathematician Lakshmi Prasad Dev Goswami died in an accident. In the memory of Lakshmi Prasad Dev Goswami, on Tuesday, August 1, 2023, a memorial and annual funeral was organized at the residence of Sri Sri Narawa Kujisatra. Laxmi Prasad Dev Goswami, who is closely associated with various programs and institutions of culture of Srimanta Sankardeva of undivided Nagaon district, was closely associated with various programs and institutions of culture. Kanaklata Goswami, mother of late Dev Goswami and wife Deepti Mahanta Goswami, will light the lamp in the presence of students and the people of the satra. The event will be attended by Shri Shri Shri Narawa Kujistra Thana Managing Committee, Shri Shri Naroa Kujistra Yuvak Sangha, Nagaon and Morigaon District Satra Mahasabha, Kujistra Soumar Sangha, Sri Sri Madhabdev Library, students and youth of the district. In the context of the name to be held in the afternoon, Namacharya Sri Sri New Bhogbari Shalguri Satra's Satradhikar Lila Dev Mahanta. And will inaugurate the Ojapali programme of the historic National Fame Darrang to be held from 5 pm. Asom Satra Mahasabha Secretary General Kusum Kumar Mahanta. Organise will the community feast on August 2. Families and industrialists have humbly requested the public to attend the programme on those two days.

 Guwahati: At least five police personnel were injured on Monday when an agitated mob attacked the Chief Minister's Secretariat in Tura town of western Meghalaya, police said. Officials gave this information. Chief Minister C K Sangma was present in the office and was holding a meeting with representatives of Achik Conscious Holistically Integrated Karima (ACHIK) and Garo Hills State Movement Committee (GHSMC), which have demanded that Tura be declared the winter capital, they said. At the same time, a crowd gathered outside the office and started pelting stones. Police fired tear gas shells and used batons to disperse the protesters. Some police personnel were injured in the incident. Chief Minister Sangma is safe in this attack, but five of his security personnel were injured. Night curfew had to be imposed in Tura town to control the situation.At the time of the attack, Sangma was interacting with representatives of the Conscious Fully Integrated Crimea and Garo Hills State Movement Committee. Some members of both the organisations have been on a hunger strike for the last 14 days demanding that Tura be made the winter capital. The Chief Minister's conversation was almost complete when suddenly a crowd came and started pelting stones. This caused a stir. The police had to fire tear gas shells. The mob also tried to break the gate of the Chief Minister's Office. Chief Minister Sangma enquired about the well-being of security personnel injured in the violence. Sangma announced a compensation of Rs 50,000 for the injured security personnel and medical expenses. Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said, the attack is unfortunate. Even the representatives of these organizations do not know who the attackers are. These were people from outside. They are being traced.

 GUWAHATI :Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Saturday said the people of the state consider women as their "mothers", but miscreants who attacked and stripped two tribal women naked in May have tarnished the state's reputation. The chief minister said protests were launched in the northeastern state to condemn the incident. Biren Singh was referring to a viral video that surfaced a few days ago in which two tribal women were seen being paraded and molested naked by a group of men, however, four of them, including the main accused, were arrested on July 20. Nude video of Manipur violence: 4 people including the main culprit were arrested at around 1.30 am. The people of Manipur consider women as their mothers, but some miscreants have done so and tarnished our reputation. We have launched protests across the state in both the Valley and hilly areas to condemn the incident. Singh said people are demanding that the culprits be given the strictest punishment. Apart from this, CM Singh said that he will ensure that strict action is taken against all the culprits, including considering the death penalty. even then Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of not paying attention to the Manipur tragedy. Jairam said what the Prime Minister said on the Manipur violence on July 20 was a complete diversionary. Jairam said a horrific video forced the Prime Minister to break his silence on Manipur even though what he said was "completely diversionary and did not address the tragedy that took place in the state after May 3". The Congress leader also demanded the resignation of Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh, claiming that he has no moral right to continue in his post.It has now come to light that a complaint of horrific atrocities was made to the National Commission for Women on June 12. No action was taken. And just yesterday, the Chief Minister of Manipur admitted on television that this is just one example and more such brutalities have taken place. Meanwhile, condemning the incident of two women parade, the North East Students' Organisation (NESO) on July 21 said such humiliating and inhuman acts are unacceptable in a civilised society. NESO further says that in every conflict or riot, women and children are the most vulnerable and often the victims. It also said that atrocities against helpless women and children, including misuse of their dignity at any time and even in war, should never be condoned and condemned by all. Such acts are outrageous, barbaric and inhuman which are unacceptable in a civilised society. The fact is that these women face the above suffering and humiliation in the most disgusting way. On July 21, the house of the main accused was burnt down by unidentified miscreants, two days after a video surfaced of two women being paraded naked by a violent mob in Manipur's Kangpokpi district. The tragic incident took place in a village in Kangpokpi district after ethnic violence erupted in the northeastern state on May 3. The horrific footage surfaced on July 19 after the internet ban was lifted in the state. The circulation of the video triggered widespread anger across the country, following which the Manipur Police took suo motu cognisance of the matter. On the night of July 20, they registered a case of kidnapping, gang rape and murder against unidentified persons at Nongpok Sekmai police station in Thoubal district. The heart-wrenching video of two women from Manipur being paraded naked and molested by a group of men has triggered widespread outrage and condemnation from prominent personalities. With the video going viral, the demand for quick action against the culprits to ensure the safety of women has started gaining momentum. Veteran actress and Rajya Sabha MP Jaya Bachchan expressed her anguish over the incident, saying, "I felt very bad, I couldn't watch the entire video. I was ashamed. He stressed on the need for empathy and stressed that women's safety should be the top priority. Addressing the issue of representation, she said, "It is about women's safety. But you say things like we have selected 50 per cent women for a panel. The elephant has a stalk (it's like an elephant's teeth). Globally acclaimed actress and humanitarian Priyanka Chopra took to her Instagram story to express her concerns. He questioned the delay in action. All mlAs and Chief Ministers of the Northeast demanded imposition of President's rule in Manipur. Assam Independent MLA Akhil Gogoi on July 21 demanded imposition of President's rule in Manipur, alleging that the ongoing violence in the neighbouring state was a "conspiracy by the RSS and the BJP".

 GUAHATI : The Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday chaired a consultation meeting at the Assam Administrative Staff College with various service associations regarding the to-be-launched Mukhya Mantri Lok Sevak Arogya Yojana. In the consultation meeting, various issues such as medical bill reimbursement process, creation of portal for online registration for bill reimbursement, among others, were discussed in detail. It is worth mentioning that a portal has been created for the online registration process for healthcare bill reimbursement of Assam government employees and their dependents, government pensioners and their spouses. The beneficiaries would have the option of uploading the necessary documents for medical bill reimbursement on the portal. This apart, they would also be provided necessary assistance regarding medical bill reimbursement at the district hospitals, medical colleges, office of the Joint Director of Health Services, among others. Chief Minister Dr. Sarma said the Government of Assam was committed to providing its employees with a healthcare scheme that would fulfill their genuine hopes and aspirations. He appealed to the members of the employees association to provide their feedbacks on the proposed scheme within a period of 15 days, adding that it would be put up for Cabinet approval in days to come. The currently prevailing healthcare bill reimbursement policy would continue to be operational and opting for Mukhya Mantri Lok Sevak Arogya Yojana would be purely optional for the government employees, he added during the discussions today. Minister of Health & Family Welfare Keshab Mahanta, Commissioner & Secretary of Health department Sidharth Singh, along with a host of senior officials, were also present.

 Mangaldai : A day long insightful food processing seminar on the theme "Harnessing the potential of Food Processing in NER for a healthier nation," was organized by the Federation of Industry and Commerce of North Eastern Region (FINER) under the aegis of the Ministry of Food Processing Industry, Government of India at Youth club here on July 20 . The event witnessed an esteemed gathering of key stakeholders including members of the farmers producer companies , government officials, industry experts, and participants from the region and beyond. The inauguration session was graced by distinguished personalities from various sectors, including Ranjana Bhajanka, Director of FINER, who welcomed the guests and participants. UttamSaikia, General Manager, District Industry & Commerce Centre, Darrang while addressing the participants discussed how to tap the potential of food processing in the district by way of cluster based approach. Morteza Ahmed , coordinator ,APART under, Darrang Agriculture department, and Piyush Kumar, Nodal Officer, Government E Market, who shared their insights on the significant role of food processing in the region's development. The session was concluded by Surendra Chowkhani, Director of FINER, who expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming participation and highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts for a prosperous future. This was followed by the technical session where Gunin Roy, a specialist from the Arias Society in millet production, enlightened the participants on the production, harvest, and numerous benefits of millets, emphasizing their potential to contribute to a healthier nation. On the other hand Trishanku Barman, Marketing Manager of PMFME Scheme, AIDC Ltd, shared valuable insights into the Pradhan Mantri Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme, which aims to empower local food processors and promote sustainable growth. Sanchit Jain, a consultant from E&Y, presented on the Government E Market (GeM), showcasing the platform's instrumental role in boosting food processing-related businesses and fostering collaborations between government and private enterprises. The session concluded with a detailed presentation from Jayanta Kr. Sharma, a Packaging & Branding Specialist, who shed light on the critical aspects of branding and packaging, underscoring their significance in enhancing product value and market reach. Thus the seminar witnessed productive discussions and fruitful interactions among participants, industry experts, and policymakers, paving the way for potential collaborations and investments in the region's food processing sector. The event served as a catalyst for fostering a healthier nation through sustainable food processing practices and innovative approaches to branding and marketing. During the event FINER and Government E Market signed a Memorandum of Understanding.

 GUWAHATII : In order to take stock of activities of various departments, Assam Governor Gulab Chand Kataria as a part of his series of meetings with different departments, held a meeting with senior officials from the Transformation and Development Department at the conference hall of Raj Bhavan today. During the meeting, Additional Chief Secretary of the Transformation and Development Department, Dr. Ashish Kumar Bhutani, presented a report on the department's activities. The meeting highlighted Assam's GDP growth rate for the year 2022-23, with a specific focus on the growth in different sectors, including agriculture and allied sectors, industry sector, service sector, taxes on products and subsidies, gross state domestic products, and the per capita income. The Governor inquired about the status of the Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP) and reviewed the progress of each district under this program. The Governor sought information about the role of the State Innovation and Transformation Aayog (SITA) and the evaluation and monitoring methods for the implementation of government schemes at the state. The Governor also asked about the role of the SDG Cell, established by the Department of Transformation and Development, and how it monitors the current status of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across the state while benchmarking targets for 2030. During the meeting, the Governor emphasized the importance of proper monitoring of fund utilization, stating that it is crucial for the successful implementation of schemes. Effective monitoring ensures that the benefits of the schemes reach the general public. Therefore, the concerned officials were instructed to prioritize diligent monitoring to ensure the successful outcomes of the schemes. Principal Secretary, T&D Deptt, Dr. M Ariz Ahammad, Chief Executive Officer, SITA MS Manivannam, Secretary to the Governor, Swapna Dutta Deka, Secretary, T&D Deptt, Dipima B Malakar, Secretary T&D Deptt, Reena Mech and a host of senior officials from T&D Department and Raj Bhavan were present in the meeting.

 GUWAHATI :It has been more than two-and-a-half months, the violence in Manipur does not seem to stop. Rather, with the passage of time, even more heart-wrenching pictures are coming out. Now a video is viral. Two women of the state are being paraded naked and tortured. In this video, two women of the Kuki community are being shown naked and walking on the road. This video has become a topic of discussion all over the world. The monsoon session of Parliament will begin on July 20, 2023. General elections next year and In the wake of the events in Manipur, this session is very noisy. The Upper House was adjourned till 12 noon on Thursday after paying tributes to the departed members of the Rajya Sabha. The Opposition has demanded a discussion on the Manipur violence and demanded a statement from the Prime Minister on the issue. There was a tremendous uproar in Parliament on this matter. Both the Houses were adjourned till Friday demanding a discussion on the situation in Manipur. Congress MPs Manish Tewari, Manickam Tagore and some other opposition MPs on Thursday submitted adjournment notices demanding a discussion in both houses of Parliament on the issue of Manipur. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condemned it. He said that the culprits will not be spared under any circumstances. The Supreme Court has also taken suo motu cognizance of the matter. Chief Justice DY Chandrachud has directed the Central and state governments to take strict action. The Chief Justice even said that either the government should take action, otherwise we ourselves will intervene in this matter. The whole country is shocked after this video surfaced. The Monsoon Session of Parliament began today. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with the media. He expressed outrage, referring to the Manipur violence. "My heart is full of pain, full of anger. The incident that has come to light in Manipur is a shameful incident for any civilised society. There are sinners, sinners, how many are there, this is its place, but the insult is happening to the whole country. "The 140 crore countrymen are facing shame. I urge all chief ministers to take the strictest steps to protect mothers and sisters. Strengthen law and order in your states. Whether it is from Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh or Manipur, we should rise above political disputes and take care of law and order and respect for women. No culprit will be spared. What has happened to these daughters of Manipur can never be forgiven. We will give some time to the government to take action or else we will intervene in the matter ourselves. We are of the view that the court should be apprised of the steps taken by the government so that the perpetrators can be booked for the violence. What has been shown in the media and the visuals that have emerged shows gross constitutional violation and violating human life by using women as an instrument of violence is against constitutional democracy. In the viral video, the two women who are being paraded naked belong to the Kuki community. The video is said to be from May 4, when the violence was in its initial stages. People of the Maitai community have been accused of paraded women naked. Police have registered a case of kidnapping, gang rape and murder against unidentified armed miscreants at Nongpok Sekamai police station in Thoubal district. Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has also constituted a separate team to probe the matter. The central government has also sought a report from the state government on this issue. Union Women and Child Welfare Minister Smriti Irani also spoke to the Chief Minister.