State News

YUPIA, AUG 24: The Department of Legal Metrology & Consumer Affairs Papum Pare conducted a surprise inspection at Doimukh Market and a petrol pump on Monday to safeguard consumer interests and verify the accuracy of petroleum product deliveries. The team also inspected the HPCL Petrol Depot at Huto village. The inspection team was led by Assistant Controller-cum-District Consumer Protection Officer Papum Pare Dr Debia Tana and included Town Executive Magistrate Doimukh Nyalisa Raji and Inspector Legal Metrology & Consumer Affairs Papum Pare Tao Tasar. During the inspection, a petrol pump was found dispensing petrol and diesel with short delivery beyond the permissible limit. A case was subsequently registered against the establishment under Sections 26 and 28 of the Legal Metrology Act 2009. Dr Debia Tana urged consumers to remain vigilant and exercise their rights while purchasing goods and services. He said consumers are entitled to the correct quantity and quality of products and to relevant information on prices and prescribed standards. He advised consumers to verify petroleum products at retail outlets using the facilities available at dispensing units. In cases of suspected adulteration, short delivery or readings beyond the Maximum Permissible Error (MPE), consumers may approach the nearest Legal Metrology Officer or lodge complaints through the e-Jagriti platform. The department also advised traders and users of weighing and measuring instruments to obtain valid verification certificates to avoid seizure and penalties. Traders were directed to comply with the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules 2011, including mandatory declarations and the prohibition on selling packaged commodities above the declared Maximum Retail Price (MRP). The department reiterated its commitment to protecting consumers against unfair trade practices, short delivery, adulteration and other forms of exploitation, and urged the public to remain alert and use appropriate legal and consumer-protection mechanisms to address grievances.      

KHONSA, AUG 24: Zonal General Hospital (ZGH) Khonsa in Tirap district achieved a major milestone on August 24 with the successful performance of its first Caesarean Section (CS), marking a significant step forward in emergency obstetric and surgical care in the district. The emergency Lower Segment Caesarean Section (LSCS) was performed on a primigravida who was nine days beyond her Expected Date of Delivery (EDD) and presented with severe oligohydramnios and suspected macrosomia. The procedure was completed successfully at around 1 pm, resulting in the safe delivery of a healthy female baby weighing 4.2 kg. Both the mother and newborn were reported to be stable following the procedure. The patient is a resident of Huakan village in Tirap district. The procedure was carried out by a multidisciplinary team comprising ZGH Khonsa Obstetrics and Gynaecology specialist Dr Charang Agnes Wanglat, Dr Chanwang Mongchan who assisted during the CS, anaesthetists Dr Anita Tapir and Dr Modhu Muri, and surgeon Dr T. Basar, along with the Operation Theatre (OT) team. Speaking on the achievement, ZGH Khonsa Medical Superintendent Dr Tumli Basar said the hospital’s first CS marked an important step towards strengthening emergency obstetric and surgical services at the facility. He appreciated the dedicated efforts, professional commitment and coordinated teamwork of the doctors, nursing staff, OT personnel and other supporting staff involved in the successful procedure. The milestone is expected to enhance ZGH Khonsa’s capacity to provide timely emergency maternal and surgical care, particularly for patients requiring specialised obstetric interventions, thereby reducing the need to refer critical cases outside the district.

PASIGHAT, AUG 24: The State Food Commission (SFC) has launched a four-district inspection drive to assess the preparedness of the foodgrain distribution system and ensure that beneficiaries receive adequate quantities of quality rice on time. As part of the exercise, SFC Chairman Tarh Tarak, members Ngasah Tajang and Maji Choker, along with officials of the Food Corporation of India (FCI) and the Food and Civil Supplies Department, reviewed the rice storage and distribution arrangements at Pasighat. The team subsequently inspected the FCI godown at Pasighat in the presence of FCI Divisional Manager Pomsuk Nyamgel, DFCSO Dana Yirang and other officials. The inspection covered the quantity of rice available, its quality and the physical condition of the storage facility. A major focus of the exercise is to determine whether the existing stock is adequate to meet the requirements of beneficiaries for the coming six months. Officials were also asked to maintain proper storage conditions and remain vigilant against any possibility of deterioration or adulteration of foodgrains. The inspection follows directions given by the Governor to the SFC to undertake visits to FCI godowns across the state. The Commission has been tasked with ensuring that quality foodgrains reach every household covered under the public distribution system without delay. The ongoing inspection programme, scheduled from August 24 to 28 across four districts, is expected to provide the Commission with a ground-level assessment of stock availability, storage practices and delivery mechanisms. The exercise will also help identify shortcomings requiring immediate attention to ensure a smooth and reliable supply of rations.    

TAWANG, AUG 24: PM SHRI School Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV) Tawang organised a series of project demonstrations under its School Innovation Council (SIC) to mark National Space Day on August 23. The initiative provided students an opportunity to showcase their creativity, scientific temperament, problem-solving skills and innovative ideas through student-developed models demonstrated during the morning assembly. A key attraction was the Smart Waste Segregation System, developed and demonstrated by the students. The model showcased how science and technology can be applied to promote waste segregation, recycling and responsible disposal. During the demonstration, the students explained the working of the system and highlighted the importance of segregation at source in promoting cleanliness, environmental protection and sustainable waste management. JNV Tawang Principal ML Meena appreciated the participating students and the School Innovation Council for their efforts. He encouraged students to identify challenges in their surroundings and develop practical solutions through science, technology and innovation. He emphasised that innovation begins with recognising real-life problems and finding simple, effective and sustainable solutions. He also encouraged students to actively participate in SIC activities and transform their ideas into useful prototypes that can benefit society. The project demonstrations provided students with hands-on exposure to innovation, design thinking, scientific exploration, teamwork and problem-solving while reinforcing the importance of environmental responsibility and sustainable living.    

TAWANG, AUG 24: Horticultural inputs for hybrid vegetable cultivation under the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP), implemented as part of the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), were distributed among farmers at the District Horticulture Office here on Monday to promote organic farming, sustainable agriculture and improved farm productivity. Beneficiaries received summer and winter vegetable seed kits, organic manure, organic plant protection chemicals, power knapsack sprayers and various agricultural tools and implements to support vegetable cultivation and enhance productivity. Addressing the farmers, Tawang District Horticulture Officer Koncho Gyatso highlighted the long-term benefits of organic farming and encouraged them to adopt sustainable cultivation practices to maintain soil health and produce safer and healthier food. He also briefed them on the VVP and other government initiatives aimed at improving agricultural productivity and strengthening rural livelihoods. Tawang Additional Deputy Commissioner Rinchin Leta urged farmers to gradually reduce their dependence on chemical fertilisers and adopt organic farming practices. He said organic cultivation would help protect the health of farmers and consumers while preserving soil fertility and the environment. Leta also highlighted the role of the VVP in empowering communities, creating livelihood opportunities and promoting sustainable development in border villages. He urged beneficiaries to make optimum use of the inputs provided and convert government support into higher production and improved livelihoods. Farmers from Seru, Muchut, Yusum and nearby villages benefited from the distribution programme. The initiative reaffirmed the District Administration and Horticulture Department’s efforts to promote sustainable farming, strengthen rural livelihoods and make Tawang greener and more self-reliant. (DIPR)