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Folk Dances of Arunachal Pradesh

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Folk Dances of Arunachal Pradesh

  • The state of Arunachal Pradesh in north-eastern India is home to many tribes originated mainly from Tibeto-Burman family.
  • Various tribal folk dance forms have emerged at times to celebrate the festivities and sometimes to elevate the spirit of goodness.
  • The Folk Dances of Arunachal Pradesh  can be broadly classified into four distinct groups of dances typically enacted for a host of purposes.
  • Festive Folk Dances of Arunachal Pradesh performances which are mainly festival orientated folk dances celebrated during special occasions.
  • Ritualistic dance is Folk Dances of Arunachal Pradesh done with much exuberance during certain rituals.
  • Recreational dances performed as part of recreational purposes
  • These dances are not performed as part of any ritual or festival though they are part of certain occasions creating a happy and cheerful atmosphere.
  • The Dance Drama or the Pantomimes which aim at depicting a mythical story entitled with a moral.
  • Dance forms an important aspect of the socio-cultural heritage of the peole.
  • They dance on important rituals, during festivals and also for recreation.
  • The Folk Dances of Arunachal Pradesh of the people of Arunachal are group- where both men and women take part.
  • There are however some dances such as igo dance of the Mishmi priests, war dance of the Adis, Noctes and Wanchos, ritualistic dance of the Buddhist tribes, which are male dances. Females are not allowed to participate in these dances.
  • Some of the popular folk dances of the people are Aji Lamu(Monpa), Roppi(Nishing), Buiya(Nishing), Hurkani(Apatani), Popir(Adi), Pasi Kongki(Adi), Chalo(Nocte), Ponung (Adi), Rekham Pada (Nishing), Lion and Peacock dance (Monpa) and so on.
  • Most dances are performed to the accompaniment of songs sung generally in chorus.
  • Musical instruments like drums and Cymbals are played.

 

Mask-Folk Dances of Arunachal Pradesh

  • Religious beliefs of some tribal communities especially in Arunachal Pradesh have been influenced in some respect by Hinduism and Buddhism.
  • The Sherdukpens and the Monpas perform many kind of ritual masked dances of which Thutotdam is most fascinating.
  • The dancers put on masks representing skulls and wear costumes designed as skeletons.
  • The ritualistic dance depicts how the soul after death is received in the other world.
  • At Torgyap Festival many such kinds of masked dances are performed which aim at driving away evil spirits and ensuring prosperity, good harvest and favourable weather throughout the year.

Arpos Folk Dances of Arunachal Pradesh

  • The Monpas perform Arpos dance in which about twenty-five dancers, wearing helmets and carrying sword and shields like ancient warrior, depicts how the ancestors of the tribe conquered their enemies.
  • The performance concludes with a dance number called Gallong Chham in which about ten dancers perform wearing very colourful costumes and sumptuous headgear.
  • Of all the masked pantomimes that the Sherdukpens perform, the most fasicinating is the Yak dance.
  • The dummy animal is formed by two men concealed behind a black cloth that forms its body.
  • The head of the dummy Yak is made of wood. On its back sits the figure of a goddess. Three masked men dance around the dummy animal.
  • They represent the legendary hero Apapek and two sons.
  • Verrier Elwin in The Art of the North-East frontier of India reports,”The lamas of the Yang Sang Chu valley in northern Siang have masked dances which they perform every year at the week-long festival of Drubachuk to ensure prosperity, happiness and health.

 

Bardo Chham Folk Dances of Arunachal Pradesh

  • Bardo Chham is a folk dance of Arunachal Pradesh and a crucial ritual among the ethno-various group of north-east people.
  • Folk dances are performed during festivals and likewise as leisure routine.
  • These primitive tribal communities living at the Himalayan skirt for centuries were able to retain their targeted tradition of thousand years.
  • Their zests for existence and nature have enabled these rough working tribes of north east Himalayas choreograph some superb folk dances. One of the most widespread folks dance of Arunachal Pradesh incorporating the struggles of Adi tribe, Igu dance of Mishmi clergymen, ritualistic performances of Buddhist tribe.

Adi Tribal Folk Dances of Arunachal Pradesh

  • Adi tribal dance from India’s north-east! This is being performed at the Brahmaputra Festival in Siang, Arunachal Pradesh, India.
  • Dances form a vital element in the zest and joy of living of Arunachali tribal.
  • They dance on important rituals, during festivals and also for recreational reasons.
  • They vary from highly stylised religious dance dramas of the Buddhists to the martial steps and colourful performances.

Ponung Folk Dances of Arunachal Pradesh

  • It is the famous folk dance of Adi tribal people.
  • This is a dance performed by women alone.
  • The purpose of this festival is to ask for a good harvest and welfare of the village community.
  • This dance is performed on all-important & auspicious occasions.
  • Among the Adis dance had evolved almost into an art form for entertainment and recreation.
  • The ‘Phoning’ dance of Adis is performed by teams of young girls in perfect rhythmic unison.
  • Similar group dance in colourful costumes are performed by Nishis and Tagins of Upper and Lower Subansiri Districts.
  • Adi village has a rich cultural life. The tribal people are famous for their Ponung that is dancing with the accompaniment of songs.
  • A group of girls dance in a circle holding each other by stretching their hands over each others shoulders while the leader-usually a man called the Miri – dances and sings in the centre-holding aloft and shaking a sword like musical instrument called ‘Yoksha’.
  • First he sings a line and then it is repeated in chorus by the maidens rhythmically in circle at a low pace. On all important occasions ponung is arranged.

The Wancho Dance

  • The Wancho tribes perform dances during appropriate occasions like festivals, ceremonies etc.
  • Ozele festival of Wanchos is celebrated in February-March after the sowing of millet.
  • It lasts for four days and was observed in Longkhau village.
  • The dance is performed from about 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. inside the chief’s house.
  • Among the male-folk, boys, youths and adults take part while among women, only girls and those young married women who have not joined the husband’s family, take part in the dance.Folk Dances of Arunachal Pradesh
  • The dancers, dressed in their fineries, stand in a circle surrounding a bonfire.
  • The girls stand on one side of the circle holding each other’s hands.
  • The male dancers hold a sword in the right hand and most of them place the left hand over the shoulder of the dancer to the left.
  • The male dancers start singing when all take a short step with the right foot to the right, flex the knees with an accompanying forward swing of the sword and gently bring the left foot up to the heel of the right one.
  • They repeat this sequence of movements.
  • When the singing of the male-dancers, end, which is generally on the eighth or ninth step, all stamp their right foot twice on the ground.
  • The female dancers take up the singing in reply.
  • They stamp the right foot twice on the ground during their turn of singing, once generally in the fourth step and the next at the end of the singing which generally falls on the ninth step.
  • Again the male dancers take up the singing and thus the dance continues.

Main Features of Arunachal Economy

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Main Features of Arunachal Economy

Introduction

  • The economy of Arunachal Pradesh is predominantly agrarian. Agriculture and allied activities have overriding importance as a source of livelihood to the people of Arunachal Pradesh.
  • The State’s economy is characterized by persistent stringent financial situation marked by a very low level of State’s own resources co-existing with high level of borrowing.
  • The State has been suffering from impaired economic development due to bottlenecks in development of roads, civil aviation etc. in terms of per capita State Domestic Product and other development indices such as power, road length, Arunachal Pradesh ranks below national average.
  • Arunachal Pradesh is one of the Special Category States and is largely dependent on Central Assistance for Plan investment as the scope of internal mobilization of resources is limited in Arunachal Pradesh in view of low tax base. Therefore, the prime mover of the growth of the economy has been the flow of funds from the Centre.
  • The relatively isolated economies of the tribal communities of the area, which were later reorganized as Arunachal Pradesh, were gradually integrated into the larger economy only after independence, and more particularly after the Indo-China war of 1962. Apart from the relatively late exposure to modernization, another specificity of the historical transformation of the Arunachal economy was the role of the State as the prime mover in this process of gradual transformation and integration of the economy.
  • Arunachal Pradesh has now witnessed remarkable social and economic changes within a comparatively short period of time. The State’s economy has not only experienced a remarkable growth over the past decades, it has diversified from agriculture and forestry based subsistence economy into a market economy.
  • In 1970-71 the per capita Net State Domestic Product (NSDP) of Arunachal Pradesh was 56.14 percent of the per capita national income. Starting from a very low base, Arunachal’s per capita income increased at a faster rate than the country’s national income.
  • The predominantly barter economies are in the process of being transformed into a monetized economy. The market institutions are still underdeveloped in many respects, and there is a great deal of regional variations in the degree of integration with the market economy.
  • There is a significant change in terms of land tenure system, which is steadily leading to individual ownership by making collective ownership (clan, village, community ownership) a marginal phenomenon. In urban or semi-urban areas, land became a commodity for earning cash and ‘brewing social conflicts’
  • Subsistence nature of farming coupled with modern consumption structure is the driving force behind the changing economic institutions in Arunachal Pradesh. The rural urban migration, due to pull factors in the state, has resulted in substantial increase in employment in service sector. Thus, the process of modernization has led to the transformation of the traditional economic institutions in the State.
  • In the context of Arunachal Pradesh, power sector is the most vital infrastructure input for socio- economic development and has assumed centre stage because of huge hydropower potential.
  • At the time of independence there were less than 100 km. of dirt roads. At the time attaining statehood in 1987 the total road length was only 3419 km and today it stands at 21066.36 km i.e., 25.16 km/ 100 sq. km a quantum jump in progress.
  • The prospect of creating an industrial base in the state seems daunting in the light of the ecological and economic specificities of the state. However, a carefully designed strategy for establishing specific industries having strong forward and backward linkages has been envisaged in the New Industrial Policy-2008 of the State.

Economic Reforms

The Government of Arunachal Pradesh has been pursuing economic reforms for speedy development. There has been a significant fiscal correction in the last couple of years. Major reforms initiated by the State are

  • The State has taken various measures to curtail non-plan and unproductive expenditure and to increase State’s Own tax and non-tax revenue. The State’s own tax which was around Rs. 37.00 crore has now jumped to above Rs.80 crore this year. Because of various initiatives in development of hydropower, mines and minerals etc. The non-tax revenue is also increasing substantially.Main Features of Arunachal Economy
  • The State Govt. has enacted the ‘Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act 2006’ and in accordance the ‘Arunachal Pradesh Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Rule 2007’ have been framed to ensure prudence in fiscal management.
  • Mobilization of State’s own resource is pre-requisite for financing the annual plan. The Finance Department is in constant touch with revenue generating departments and monitoring meticulously for greater revenue generation.
  • The gross fiscal deficit which was at 13.85% of GSDP in 2004-05 has been reduced to 3.57 in 2007-08. • Serious restrictions have been put for the non-developmental expenditure including the post creation. • The Plan schemes are now being executed in Project Mode with the introduction of the concept of non-divertible earmarked allocation. The State Govt. has constituted very high level committee under the Chairmanship of the Chief Secretary to scrutinize the project proposals.
  • The State Govt. has notified “Hydro Electric Power Policy 2008” to accelerate investments in development of hydro power projects having installed capacity above 25 MW. The Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh had also announced “Small Hydro Power Policy 2007“for small hydro power projects upto an installed capacity of 25 MW.
  • The State PWD has reduced its manpower by 7000 Nos. through VRS. It will lead a saving of Rs. 30.00 crore per year. Other departments with surplus man-power are also working out the modalities.
  • To minimize the burden of committed liabilities of salary, Government of Arunachal Pradesh has transferred 13265 Nos. Plan posts of 37 Nos. departments from 7th Five Year Plan onwards during Annual Plan 2008-09 in the first phase. Transfer of remaining 8 Nos departments as well as committed liabilities of 8 departments will be taken care in the second phase during Annual Plan 2009-10. As a result provision Direction and Administration has been reduced to 27.69% during 2008-09 compared to 44.14% during Annual Plan 2007-008.

 

Budgets of Arunachal Pradesh

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Main Features of budgets of Arunachal Pradesh

Constitutional Provision of Budget of State

As per Article 202 of the Constitution of India the Governor of a State shall, cause to be laid before the House or Houses of the Legislature of the State a Statement of the estimated receipts and expenditure of the State for a financial year. This estimated statement of receipt and expenditure for a financial year named in the Constitution as the “Annual Financial Statement” is commonly known as “Budget”

A-202 Annual Financial Statement                                                                              

  1. The Governor shall in respect of every financial year cause to be laid before the House or Houses of the Legislature of the State a statement of the estimated receipts and expenditure of the State for that year, in this Part referred to as the “annual financial statement”.
  2. The estimates of expenditure embodied in the annual financial statement shall show separately—
    1. the sums required to meet expenditure described by this Constitution as expenditure charged upon the Consolidated Fund of the State; and
    2. the sums required to meet other expenditure proposed to be made from the Consolidated Fund of the State; and shall distinguish expenditure on revenue account from other expenditure.
  3. The following expenditure shall be expenditure charged on the Consolidated Fund of each State—
  4. the emoluments and allowances of the Governor and other expenditure relating to his office;
  5. the salaries and allowances of the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and, in the case of a State having a Legislative Council, also of the Chairman and the Deputy Chairman of the Legislative Council;
  6. debt charges for which the State is liable including interest, sinking fund charges and redemption charges, and other expenditure relating to the raising of loans and the service and redemption of debt;Budgets of Arunachal Pradesh
  7. expenditure in respect of the salaries and allowances of Judges of any High Court;
  8. any sums required to satisfy any judgment, decree or award of any court or arbitral tribunal;
  9. any other expenditure declared by this Constitution, or by the Legislature of the State by law, to be so charged.

A- 203 Procedure in Legislature with respect to estimates

  • So much of the estimates as relates to expenditure charged upon the Consolidated Fund of a State shall not be submitted to the vote of the Legislative Assembly, but nothing in this clause shall be construed as preventing the discussion in the Legislature of any of those estimates.
  • So much of the said estimates as relates to other expenditure shall be submitted in the form of demands for grants to the Legislative Assembly, and the Legislative Assembly shall have power to assent, or to refuse to assent, to any demand, or to assent to any demand subject to a reduction of the amount specified therein
  • No demand for a grant shall be made except on the recommendation of the Governor.

A- 204 Appropriation Bills

(1) As soon as may be after the grants under article 203 have been made by the Assembly, there shall be introduced a Bill to provide for the appropriation out of the Consolidated Fund of the State of all moneys required to meet—

  1. the grants so made by the Assembly; and
  2. the expenditure charged on the Consolidated Fund of the State but not exceeding in any case the amount shown in the statement previously laid before the House or Houses.

(2) No amendment shall be proposed to any such Bill in the House or either House of the Legislature of the State which will have the effect of varying the amount or altering the destination of any grant so made or of varying the amount of any expenditure charged on the Consolidated Fund of the State, and the decision of the person presiding as to whether an amendment is inadmissible under this clause shall be final.

(3) Subject to the provisions of articles 205 and 206, no money shall be withdrawn from the Consolidated Fund of the State except under appropriation made by law passed in accordance with the provisions of this article.

A- 205            Supplementary, additional or excess grants

  1. The Governor shall—
  1. if the amount authorised by any law made in accordance with the provisions of article 204 to be expended for a particular service for the current financial year is found to be insufficient for the purposes of that year or when a need has arisen during the current financial year for supplementary or additional expenditure upon some new service not contemplated in the annual financial statement for that year, or
  2. if any money has been spent on any service during a financial year in excess of the amount granted for that service and for that year,cause to be laid before the House or the Houses of the Legislature of the State another statement showing the estimated amount of that expenditure or cause to be presented to the Legislative Assembly of the State a demand for such excess, as the case may be.
    1. The provisions of articles 202, 203 and 204 shall have effect in relation to any such statement and expenditure or demand and also to any law to be made authorising the appropriation of moneys out of the Consolidated Fund of the State to meet such expenditure or the grant in respect of such demand as they have effect in relation to the annual financial statement and the expenditure mentioned therein or to a demand for a grant and the law to be made for the authorisation of appropriation of moneys out of the Consolidated Fund of the State to meet such expenditure or grant.

A- 206 Votes on account, votes of credit and exceptional grants

  1. Notwithstanding anything in the foregoing provisions of this Chapter, the Legislative Assembly of a State shall have power—
  1. To make any grant in advance in respect of the estimated expenditure for a part of any financial year pending the completion of the procedure prescribed in article 203 for the voting of such grant and the passing of the law in accordance with the provisions of article 204 in relation to that expenditure;
  2. To make a grant for meeting an unexpected demand upon the resources of the State when on account of the magnitude or the indefinite character of the service the demand cannot be stated with the details ordinarily given in an annual financial statement;
  3. To make an exceptional grant which forms no part of the current service of any financial year; and the Legislature of the State shall have power to authorise by law the withdrawal of moneys from the Consolidated Fund of the State for the purposes for which the said grants are made.
  4. The provisions of articles 203 and 204 shall have effect in relation to the making of any grant under clause (1) and to any law to be made under that clause as they have effect in relation to the making of a grant with regard to any expenditure mentioned in the annual financial statement and the law to be made for the authorisation of appropriation of moneys out of the Consolidated Fund of the State to meet such expenditure.

Arunachal Pradesh State Budget of Arunachal Pradesh

  • The Gross state domestic product is estimated to be Rs 21,414 crores in 2016-17, growing from a level of Rs 11062.69 crores five years ago.
  • There is a slow but perceptible shift of economic activity from the primary sector to the tertiary sector in the last few years. Nonetheless, the primary sector contributed to 38.21% of GSDP at constant prices, while the tertiary sector contributed to 40.28% of GSDP.
  • The Share of Central taxes grew from actual receipt of Rs 7075.58 crores in 2015-16 to Rs 8388.30 crores in revised estimates of 2016-17.
  • The state’s own tax revenue in the revised estimates of 2016-17 was Rs 650.63 crores as against actual receipt of Rs 535.07 crores in 2015-16, growing at 21.59%. Nearly 94% of the tax revenue was collected by the Tax and excise department.
  • The non-tax revenue receipt in the revised estimates of 2016-17 is estimated at Rs 506.79 crores as against an actual collection of Rs 392.12 crores in 2015-16, showing a growth of 29.2%.
  • The fiscal deficit targets laid out in the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act 2006 and state had a fiscal deficit of 0.4% of GSDP in revised estimates of 2016-17, which is well within the 3% obligation as per the FRBM Act. For the next financial year, the fiscal deficit target of the state is 2.83% of GSDP.
  • The outstanding borrowing and debt liability of the state was pegged at 22.26% of GSDP in 2015-16 which is estimated to be 21.94% of GSDP in the revised estimates of 2016-17, which is well below the prescribed norm of 25%.
  • The underpinning philosophy of the budget draws upon the following 15 broad themes in Arunachal Pradesh:
  1. Enhance transparency through governance reforms.
  2. Empower the youth and squarely address the twin challenge of deficit in skills and jobs
  3. Transformation of rural farm economy
  4. Unlock the latent potential of land
  5. Introducing policy measures which stimulates entrepreneurship
  6. Public investments to have a balanced regional spread
  7. Overhaul the educational system in the state
  8. Create an effective and affordable health services delivery model
  9. Create a social security net for the elderly , widows and the disabled
  10. Take measures for women empowerment
  11. Bridge the infrastructure deficit.
  12. Revitalize the hydro power sector and tourism
  13. Augment the internal resource generation capacity.
  14. Effective Law and Order management
  15. Follow a Sustainable growth path in harmony with environment

Major Points

Governance Reforms

  • The Budget Estimates of 2017-18 has done away with the distinction of Plan and Non Plan and classifies the receipts and expenditure only in Capital and Revenue heads
  • To harmonize the functioning of the Planning and Finance department into an integrated Department of Finance and Investments headed by the Development Commissioner, with three different wings: Investment and Planning division, Budget division and Economic Affairs division. This will help in developing a holistic perspective of planning, resource mobilization and expenditure.
  • The Centrally sponsored schemes will be implemented on the Public Financial Management System platform. The Finance department will make online transfers of money to the current accounts of concerned department opened for each Centrally Sponsored Scheme expeditiously and the departments in turn will transfer money directly to the bank accounts of beneficiaries for beneficiary oriented schemes. This will be a path breaking reform in streamlining the manner in which CSS schemes are currently administered and usher in greater simplicity in transactions as well as transparency.
  • The trinity of JAM – Jandhan, Aadhar and Mobile will be used for delivery of citizen services and moving towards a cashless and paperless economy–over 13 lakh bank accounts in Arunachal Pradesh of which nearly 2.2 lakh are Prime Minister Jandhan Yojana accounts. Nearly 1.4 lakh bank accounts are seeded with Aadhar
  • E Office will be made fully functional within this financial year for all departments in the Secretariat and steps will be initiated for ushering in the E office platform in the districts and the Directorates.
  • A computerized human resource management system will be introduced for all government employees which will integrate details of salaries, deductions, loans, increments etc.
  • Computerization of treasuries will be completed this year and an integrated on line Budget and expenditure management system will be rolled out which will streamline the functioning of the finance department.
  • A Chief Ministers dashboard will be created on an electronic platform which will track progress of key projects, including budget announcements, across the state through a regular video conferencing interface with all Deputy Commissioners
  • Stipends of students, scholarships, old age pensions, salaries of teachers of SSA, RUSA and RMSA will be paid on a direct benefit transfer mode directly into their bank accounts.

Employment and Skills of Budgets of Arunachal Pradesh

  • To establish a Skill University in Arunachal Pradesh on a PPP framework.
  • Aim to train 9000 youth in the coming financial year under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana with minimum 70% employment guarantee and an outlay of Rs 24 crores. Four ITI’s will be made operational next year: at Sagalee, Ziro, Kanubari and Pangin. One model ITI will be established at Yupia with an outlay of Rs 2.5 crores.
  • Chief Minister’s Bunkar Yojana
  • Chief Minister’s Swalamban Yojana. A back ended 30% Capital investment subsidy will be provided for small and medium enterprises on loans ranging from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 1 crores excluding land and building.

Agriculture and allied Sectors of Budgets of Arunachal Pradesh

  • To achieve self-sufficiency in food grains: Rice, other coarse cereals and Pulses production by 2020 and total Rice sufficiency by 2023 from the present day deficit levels of 27%
  • To promote organic Agriculture movement by producing organic plant nutrients and other inputs to reduce external dependence.
  • To establish Four Tea & Rubber nurseries -Rubber Nurseries at Govt. Farm Kherem and Sonajuli and Tea nurseries at Govt. Farm Bolung and Jumlo to be under technical supervision of Agriculture Dept. A sum of Rs.10.00 cr is earmarked for this purpose during 2017-18.
  • An allocation of Rs 3 crores is being made under the Chief Minister’s Krishi Rinn Yojana.
  • A state level Agriculture Information Hub cum Farmers’ Hostel will be established at Naharlagun to serve as the node for knowledge and resource sharing for agriculture and allied sectors.This will become the central resource pool with information for farmers in both audio-visual as well as electronic mode. It will be equipped with state of the art agri-information devices for the farming community and also provide accommodation for farmers and Extension workers. An initial allocation of Rs 5 crores is being proposed for this purpose during 2017-18.
  • Establishment of State Horticulture Research and Development Institute (SHRDI) under Department of Horticulture at Itanagar in the year 2014 to provide sustained technical support for our farmers.
  • To give one time Corpus Fund of Rs. 5 crores to State Horticulture Research and Development Institute which will be utilized by the institute for core activities including revenue generating activities that aims at ultimately becoming self-sustaining in future.
  • To create new nurseries across different agro-climatic zones of the State. Four new nurseries including one for High Altitude Medicinal Plants will be established at Ziro, Lower Subansiri for temperate crops, Basar, West Siang for Sub-tropical crops and Namsai for tropical crops and at Tawang for medicinal plants. All four new nurseries will be managed by the SHRDI.
  • An initial outlay of Rs 5 crores is being proposed for the Chief Minister’s white revolution program to establish an integrated dairy development project in Lohit district

Unlocking the potential of Land

  • A land pooling policy will be notified which will make landowners partners in progress in key infrastructure and industrial development projects, while reducing the burden of land acquisition cost for the state

Industry and Private Investments of Budgets of Arunachal Pradesh

  • To roll out a new Industrial policy 2017
  • To develop Industrial estates in the foothill districts
  • To develop one food park at Tippi which will have common infrastructure facilities for investors including packaging, storage and processing

Balanced Regional Development of Budgets of Arunachal Pradesh

  • To develop Pasighat, Tezu and Bomdila as regional growth centres, which would have all facilities at the regional level for education, healthcare, employment generation, skilling and serve as economic growth hubs
  • To keep a provision of Rs 50 crores in the budget for socio economic development in the districts of Tirap, Changlang and Longding under DOTCL
  • To establish Chief Minister’s District Innovation and Challenge Fund, with a corpus of Rs 100 crores

Rural Transformation of Budgets of Arunachal Pradesh

  • The Rural Development department will be implementing the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act in rural areas of Arunachal Pradesh with a proposed outlay of Rs 270 crores
  • Under the RURBAN Mission, Tuting is being developed as a rural cluster through which rural areas would be provided with urban amenities. Nafra cluster will be taken up for implementation in the next financial year and an outlay of Rs 5 crores has been proposed for this scheme.
  • Rural road construction works are being undertaken across the state under Pradhan Mantri Gramin Sadak Yojana. This year, 16 roads have been taken up to cover 35 habitations, covering a length of 236 km. For the financial year 2017-18, we have set an ambitious target of covering 1000 km of rural roads and an outlay of Rs 450 crores has been proposed for this purpose

Education

  • A sum of 30 crores is being earmarked for Chief Minister’s Adhunik Shiksha Yojana to cover nearly 1500 classrooms under this program.
  • To allocate a sum of Rs 2 crores for completion of works of VKV Longding and a sum of Rs 10 crores for starting classes at VKV Mukto on a PPP basis
  • To establish an Education Hub at Tezu

Health

  • To make an allocation of Rs. 15 crores for procurement and installation of CT scan machines at Naharlagun and Pasighat
  • To allocate a sum of Rs. 10 crores for modernization of existing drug deaddiction centres at Pasighat, Tezu, Namsai, Changlang, Papum Pare, including for purchase of required medicines and equipment. A new drug deaddiction centre will be established at Khonsa.
  • The infrastructure and equipment of 5 zonal general hospitals will be upgraded at Bomdila, Tezu, Ziro, Aalo and Khonsa for which a provision of Rs. 25 crores is proposed.

Social security

  • To make an allocation of Rs. 60 crores under the Chief Minister’s Social security scheme and the benefit will be transferred to the beneficiary directly under the Direct Benefit transfer scheme.
  • To increase the honorarium of anganwadi workers to Rs. 4500 per month and for anganwadi helpers to Rs. 3000 per month to provide them adequate incentive for work
  • Under the integrated child protection scheme, six new juvenile homes are proposed to be constructed at Aalo, Bomdila, Changlang, Tezu, Roing, Yupia and an allocation of Rs. 6 crores is proposed

Infrastructure of Budgets of Arunachal Pradesh

  • A total length of the 2570.82 Km of National Highways/ State Road is being implemented under the Highway Programme of the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Government of India, of which our own PWD is executing 16 packages with a road length of 419.88 km, Ministry of Road transport and highway is executing 3 projects with a road length of 710.95 km, BRO is executing 22 packages with a road length of 717.78 km, NHIDCL is executing 25 packages with a road length of 722 km

Forest and environment

  • Arunachal Pradesh is one of the most richly endowed biodiversity zones of India. The rich forest cover, flora, fauna and wildlife are unique in the national context. Even as the state marches on the path of development, we must preserve, protect and nurture this habitat.
  • The Forest department undertakes programs under Project Elephant, Project tiger and Wildlife Habitat program at Pakke tiger reserve, D Ering wildlife sanctuary and Namdapha wild life sanctuary. A sum of Rs. 8.7 crores is being proposed for allocation for these programs.
  • U nder the National Forest Mission and Bamboo Mission, an allocation of Rs. 3.2 crores is being proposed.

Government servants

  • To introduce a Chief Minister’s Employee Housing Scheme under which employees can avail bank loan of upto Rs. 30 lakhs and will get an interest subsidy of 4% from government. This will entail a net interest rate of 4.5% and a doubling of housing loan entitlement

 

 

Arunachal Pradesh Trade & Commerce

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Arunachal Pradesh Trade & Commerce

The entire North-east India had a long tradition of trade relations with eastern Himalayan sub-region comprising Bhutan, Tibet, China and Myanmar (Burma). It is more so in case of Arunachal Pradesh, because most of the tribes of Arunachal Pradesh migrated from these countries. Therefore, they had maintained ethnic, cultural, commercial and even matrimonial relationships with their neighboring territories through ages.

The tribes of Arunachal Pradesh living along the international border had trade connections with China, Tibet, Bhutan and Myanmar through several trade routes). While the tribes living along the southern border of Arunachal Pradesh had trade relations with Assam, the eastern part of Arunachal Pradesh had trading relations

With Burma, and the western and the northern part of Arunachal Pradesh had well developed trade links with the Tibetans.

Arunachal Pradesh Trade & Commerce

Trade Dynamics

History has recorded a number of trade routes between Arunachal Pradesh and its neighbouring countries. As many as 27 trade routes (passes) including the famous

Tawang route which passed via Tawang and Tsona Dzong have been identified between Arunachal Pradesh and Tibet. Local goods of Tibet and Bhutan were brought through these trade routes to be exchanged for local goods of Arunachal and Assam at different trade fairs (Mela) held annually coinciding with certain religious festivals in the foothills.

 

On the eastern border of Arunachal Pradesh four trade routes have been identified including the famous Pangsu Pass between Arunachal Pradesh and Burma. A large number of hill tribes from the present Tirap district of Arunachal Pradesh used to carry on trade in tea, blankets, matches, etc., at various places in Burma including in Bhamo, the most important trading centre on the bank of river Irrawaddy in Burma. The major articles from Burma side were amber (Jangphi), gum, nora cloth, silver, etc.

 

To speed up the process of development in the State, the present ‘inward looking’ paradigms of developmental policy is to be supplemented by an ‘outward looking’ approach based on market and trade. The changing scenario in international trade under WTO regime, India’s emphasis on signing trade agreements with several foreign countries including the South and South-east Asian countries (a few of which share common border with Arunachal Pradesh) and the ‘Look East’ policy of India can be of great help for Arunachal Pradesh in its efforts to introduce this ‘outward looking’ development strategy. ‘The global pattern of agrarian transformation initiated by GATT/WTO suggests that the major portion of third

world peasantries have no future simply as subsistence cultivators’

 

Prospects of Trade with Neighbouring Countries—Exploring New Frontiers

 

Arunachal Pradesh has potentials for producing some of the goods which currently India is exporting to various countries including those bordering Arunachal Pradesh.

China, the ASEAN region, Bangladesh and other SAARC countries which are geographically close to Arunachal Pradesh import substantial portion of each of

the above items in which Arunachal Pradesh has export potential.

 

Biodiversity:

Arunachal Pradesh with 2.54 per cent of country’s geographical area is custodian of more than 23.52 per cent of the flowering plants of India. It is one of the richest botanical treasure houses of the country. A few valuable items of such rich biodiversity of the State, identified on the basis of market demand, could be commercially exploited for economic benefit of the State.

 

Orchids:

Out of 925 varieties of orchids available in India, more than 500 varieties are found in Arunachal Pradesh due to its favourable soil and climatic conditions.

In fact, approximately 200 varieties are unique to the State and 60 per cent of these are ornamental in nature with high demands in international markets. Thus,

Arunachal Pradesh can be a major exporter of orchids.

 

Horticultural Crops:

Arunachal Pradesh is famous for production of apple, orange, pineapple, banana, walnut, kiwi and several spices (cardamom, black-pepper, ginger, etc.) including 4500 species of flowering plants. Nearly 55,000 hectares of land is under horticultural crops including spices. At present, Arunachal Pradesh is selling some of these fruit crops only to Assam and neighboring North-eastern states, but its soil and climate are so rich for flower and fruit crop plantation that it can be a major exporter of flowers, fruits and fruit products even to the neighboring countries.

 

Major Forest Products:

The vast area of forests of Arunachal Pradesh covering 51,540 sq km, which forms

about 62 per cent of the total geographical area of the State, are full of valuable timber trees like hollock, pine, chir, teak, etc., which grow naturally. The commercial use of these trees along with its scientific captive plantation can earn substantial revenue for the State. Value added products from such trees can also be exported to the neighboring countries.

 

Minor Forest Products (MFP)

 

(i) Herbal Plants: Arunachal Pradesh has a rich tradition of herbal health care. The tribes have so far identified over 500 species of plants, having medicinal properties. However, some of these ‘medicinal’ plants are yet to be authenticated by appropriate scientific testing. Due to lack of awareness, the State is yet to harness the full potentials of this wealth

 

(ii) Aromatic Plants: Arunachal Pradesh forests offer a vast array of aromatic plants such as citronella, lemon-grass, vanilla, patcholi, agaroo, etc., which can be used in aromatic industry for the manufacture of perfumes, incenses, etc., for export purposes.

 

Economic Mineral Resources of Arunachal Pradesh Trade & Commerce

Among the valuable minerals spotted in Arunachal Pradesh are petroleum, limestone, marble coal, dolomite, fuller’s earth and natural gas reserves are worth mentioning.

If properly assessed and explored with required infrastructural development, the products of some of these minerals can be used for making several value-added products locally in small and medium scale industries. Some of the value-added products can be exported to the neighboring countries.

 

Tourism Products

The State’s unique natural beauty, different species of wildlife, religious places, historical and heritage sites, diverse attractive tribal cultures, friendly and hospitable people could make Arunachal Pradesh, the Switzerland of the East. The sites which can be developed into world class tourist spots are Tawang for religious, adventure and eco tourists; Parusuramkunda and Malini Than, for religious and eco tourists; Namdapha Tiger Project, Mowling National Park, and ten wildlife sanctuaries of the State for wildlife tourists; ‘Lake of No Return’ on the border of Arunachal Pradesh and Myanmar near Phangso Pass.

 

Hydro-electric Power

Arunachal Pradesh possesses immense potential of powers, primarily in the form of hydel. But the progress of this sector has not taken place on a scale proportionate to resource availability. The total unexploited hydel potential of the State is estimated to be 49000 MW. The National Hydro Power Corporation (NHPC) has undertaken survey and investigation works of Siang and Subansiri basins for establishing mega hydro power project with an installed capacity of 20700 MW. When this project will be completed, Arunachal Pradesh can be a major exporter of cheap hydel power not only to the entire North-east, but also to its neighbouring countries having power deficit like China and Myanmar.

 

Trade Routes

 

(i) Tezpur-Bomdila-Towang-Bum La (China)

(ii) Lakhimpur-Daparijo-Nacho (China)

(iii) Jonai-Sadiya-Mekha-Malvinil-Tajobum (China)

(iv) Sadiya-Tezu-Chirangal-Kahao (China)

(v) Tinsukia-Winstong-Mogung (Myanmar)

(vi) Khonsa-Wakha (Myanmar)

(vii) Ledo-Pangsou Pass-Myitkyina-Bhamo-Kunming

(Myanmar and China)

Out of these seven old border trade routes of Arunachal Pradesh, the most useful and economic route is the Ledo-Pangsou Pass-Myitkyina-Bhamo-Kunming route,

popularly known as StilWell Road.

 

 

An Introduction to Arunachal Pradesh Economy

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An Introduction to Arunachal Pradesh Economy

Arunachal Pradesh – State profile

  • Covering an area of 83,743 sq km, Arunachal Pradesh is the largest state in the Northeast India.
  • The state is located in the extreme Northeastern corner of the country. It shares its border with the neighbouring countries of Bhutan in the West, China (Tibet) in the North and Northeast, Myanmar in the East and Southeast and the Indian states of Assam and Nagaland in the South.
  • Itanagar is the state capital. Arunachal Pradesh has 16 administrative districts.
  • Naharlagun, Tawang, Tezpur, Bomdila, Ziro, Pasighat and Tezu are the major towns in the state.
  • Brahmaputra is the major river flowing through the state. Other smaller rivers include Kameng, Subansiri, Lohit and Tirap.
  • The most commonly spoken languages are Assamese, Bengali and Hindi. English is the primary medium of education in the schools

Rich and varied agro-climatic conditions

  • Undulating topography and varied agro-climatic conditions offer vast potential for horticulture and growing a variety of fruits, vegetables, spices, aromatic and medicinal plants, flowers and mushroom.

Policy and fiscal incentives

  • The state offers a wide range of fiscal and policy incentives and assistance for businesses under the State Industrial Policy, 2008. Additionally, the state has sectorspecific policies for industries related to power and agriculture.

Facilitating industrial infrastructure

  • The state has 12 industrial estates, established across districts. To support industrial growth, the State Government has also notified integrated infrastructure development centres, industrial growth centres and industrial areas.

International trade opportunities

  • The geographic location of the state provides immense opportunities for international trade with the South Asian countries through its shared borders with Myanmar, Bhutan and China.

Key industries in Arunachal Pradesh

  • The resources, policy incentives and climate in the state support investments in mining and mineral products (including cement), tissue culture and floriculture, plantation crops (tea, rubber, etc.) and agro-based industries.
    • The North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Limited is engaged in catalysing the industrial growth of the Northeastern region (including Arunachal Pradesh) by providing counselling, timely advice and assistance for building quality enterprises.
    • The Department of Industries, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, is responsible for promoting industrial activities in the state to provide employment opportunities to the rural and urban people.
    • The Department of Industries has set up district industries centres (DICs) and sub-district industries centres (sub-DICs) for the industrial development of small scale, tiny and village industries.
  • Key industries in Arunachal Pradesh
  • Art and crafts
  • Weaving
  • Cane and bamboo
  • Carpet weaving
  • Wood carving
  • Ornaments
  • Tourism
  • Horticulture
  • Saw mills and plywood

Employment profile of Arunachal Pradesh

  • The primary sector employs around 67.4 per cent of the total workforce in Arunachal Pradesh, followed by tertiary sector (23.9 per cent) and secondary sector (8.7 per cent).
  • Around 94 per cent of the state‟s population lives in the rural belt. Thus, agriculture is the main occupation of the people of Arunachal Pradesh.
  • Of the total workforce, 60.4 per cent are cultivators with self-owned land and only 5.1 per cent of the workforce falls in the agricultural labourer category.

Cereals, oil seed and sugarcane are the key agricultural products

  • In 2009-2010, total production of cereal crops was 325,000 tonnes, compared to 306,500 tonnes in the previous year.
  • Major cereal crops of the state are rice, maize, millet, wheat and pulses (pea, kidney-bean and black-gram).
  • Non-cereal crops include ginger, oil seed and sugarcane, apart from vegetables.

Road network

  • Arunachal Pradesh has a road density of 17.36 km per 100 sq km.
  • Six National Highways run through Arunachal Pradesh, connecting the state with the rest of India as well as the international borders with China (Tibet), Myanmar and Bhutan.

Airports and railways

  • In December 1995, the State Government introduced passenger flight services by nine-seat Dauphin helicopters to overcome the constraints posed by the hilly terrain.
  • Later a 23-seat MI-172 type helicopter had been added to the fleet, primarily to operate between Guwahati in Assam and Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh.
  • The service also connects 29 major towns including Naharlagun, Tawang, Ziro, Pasighat, Bomdila, Seppa, Daporijo, Along, Yingkiong, Roing and Tezu.
  • A greenfield airport has been proposed near Itanagar, for which environmental clearance has been received in April 2010. Ministry of Civil Aviation has also planned to operationalise airports at Daporijo and Tezu.
  • The nearest railway station is located at Harmoti in Assam, 23 km from Naharlagun and 33 km from Itanagar.

Industrial infrastructure

  • Arunachal Pradesh has 12 industrial estates located in different districts and spread over total area of 55.6 hectare. These industrial estates have been developed in land-areas ranging from 4,540 to 202,325 square metre, with the primary objective of growth and development of small scale industries.
  • In addition, the State Government has also notified integrated infrastructure development centres, industrial growth centres and industrial areas to support industrial growth.
  • The State Government has set up district industries centres (DICs) in all 16 districts. These DICs play a vital role in the industrial development by providing services to the entrepreneurs viz., identification of suitable schemes, preparation of project report, arrangement for providing required plant, machinery and raw-material, assistance in availing incentives and facilities provided by both central and state governments, liaison with all development departments and financial institutions to provide assistance to the prospective entrepreneurs.
  • Based on availability of resources, the State has identified thrust areas for industrial development:
  • Industries based on agricultural, horticultural and plantation produce.
  • Industries based on non-timber forest produce such as bamboo, cane (rattan), medicinal plants/herbs, aromatic grass, tea and coffee.
  • Industries based on locally available raw-materials except timber.
  • Textiles (handlooms and power-looms), handicrafts and sericulture.
  • Electronics and IT-based enterprises.
  • Mineral-based industries (such as ferro-alloys, cement, etc.)
  • Facilitation and development of industrial infrastructure including power, communications, etc., under public private partnership
  • Food processing industries.
  • Engineering and allied industries (rolling mill, steel mill, etc.).

State Industrial Policy, 2008

  • Aim: To facilitate and promote the growth of industry, employment and investment in the state.

Key initiatives:

  • To create an investment-friendly environment in the state for industrial growth in the private, joint and cooperative sectors for sustainable economic development of Arunachal Pradesh.
  • To generate employment opportunities in the state.
  • To make Arunachal Pradesh a preferred destination for outside investors.
  • To encourage local entrepreneurs to set up enterprises based on locally available raw-materials.
  • To promote export-oriented industrial units.
  • To take steps to promote the handloom and handicrafts industry.
  • To promote local investors through joint ventures with outside investors.
  • To encourage industrial units producing high value products.
  • To ensure fast-track clearance of industrial proposals

Hydro Power Policy – 2008

Objectives:

  • To harness hydropower potential of the state in a manner that is consistent with the provision of the Electricity Act, 2003 and the National Electricity Policy and other policies formulated in the Act.
  • To develop hydropower projects in eco-friendly manner causing minimum distress to the affected people.
  • To accelerate the pace of hydropower development through participation of both the central public sector undertakings and private power developers, as also by formulating public private partnership.
  • To provide for creation of social and development infrastructure through hydropower development.
  • To ensure proper rehabilitation and resettlement of people affected by projects in order to improve their living standards.
  • To create job opportunities for local tribal people specially for those affected by the project

Small Hydro Power (SHP) Policy, 2007

Aim: To facilitate and promote the growth of small hydro power plants and, thereby, increase employment opportunities in the state.

Key initiatives:

  • Private participation in development of SHPs with targeted incentives.
  • Formulation and notification of an action plan for SHP generation. The action plan to provide programmes for capacity addition and determine the extent of involvement of various stakeholders of State Government or agencies in the field.

North East Industrial and Investment Promotion Policy (NEIIPP), 2007

Aim: To promote the Northeast region as an attractive investment region through concessions and incentives.

Key features:

  • Industries covered under this policy are eligible for incentives for a period of 10 years from the date of commencement of commercial production.
  • All new units as well as existing units that undergo substantial expansion (minimum 25 per cent increase in fixed capital) and start production before 2017 would qualify for incentives.
  • Incentives would be available for all existing industrial units and upcoming units anywhere in the Northeast.
  • A high-level monitoring committee or advisory committee would oversee the implementation of the NEIIPP.
  • NEIIPP would not be applicable to peripheral activities such as preservation while in storage, cleaning, packing, re-packing, labelling or re-labelling, sorting, etc.
  • North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Ltd (NeDFI) to act as the nodal agency for disbursal of subsidies.
  • NEIIPP, 2007, has replaced the North East Industrial Policy, 1997

Agriculture Policy, 2001

Aim: To achieve higher economic growth and create job opportunities for the rural unemployed through agriculture and allied sectors.

Key initiatives:

  • Top priority to be accorded on increasing farmers‟ income.
  • Addressing problems related to shifting (jhum) cultivation.
  • Location-specific strategy development – area specific and differentiated strategy.
  • Convergence of allied activities by making a shift from a commodity approach to a system approach in agriculture.
  • Technology transfer.
  • Supply of inputs such as seed, fertiliser, pesticides, agri-tools and implements and credit to farmers at reasonable rates.
  • Facilitating private investment in agriculture, especially for establishing agro-based industries.
  • People‟s participation through formation of “self-help groups” and village committees at several levels.
  • Research and technology package for location-specific agricultural research based on identified agro-climatic zone.
  • Marketing infrastructure and techniques, especially for preservation, storage and transportation.
  • Priority on setting up agro-processing units in key production areas.
  • Market intervention scheme involving procurement by a notified agency to assure remunerative prices to farmers

Mineral-based industry

  • Arunachal Pradesh has considerable mineral reserves, which offers immense potential.
  • The state has reserves of coal at Bhalukpong; graphite at Tahila, Bopi and Khetabari; limestone at Hunli, Tidding, Menga and Pagin; marble at Hunli, Tezu, Pyuli and Dora; dolomite at Kaspi and Rupa; and lead and zinc at Shergaon.
  • These minerals are useful in the gasified form or in cooking, fertiliser plants, refractory units and calcium carbide manufacturing units.
  • The state‟s mining activities are managed by the Arunachal Pradesh Mineral Development and Trading Corporation Limited (APMDTCL ).
  • Parsuram Cements, a subsidiary of APMDTCL, is one of the oldest resource-based companies, based out of Lohit.

Agriculture and forest-based industries

  • Major agro- and forest-based industries in the state relate to tea, fruit, timber and plywood industries.
  • Non-timber based industries include bamboo, cane and medicinal plants.
  • The industry is characterised by many regional players; several units have been set up by Arunachal Pradesh Forest Corporation (APFC), a government organisation.
  • APFC has taken up a project on capacity building for production of bamboo-based industrial intermediates at Poma village near Itanagar.
  • The State Industrial Policy, 2008 of Arunachal Pradesh lists agriculture and non-timber forest produce-based industries as thrust sectors.

Textile

  • Textile is a grass-roots industry in Arunachal Pradesh and provides employment to mainly, women. Most of the units are home-based and have small scale of operations.
  • Carpet making is one of the important occupations in the districts of Tawang, West Kameng, Changlang and Upper Siang. The state‟s carpets have received national and international repute owing to their quality.
  • The carpet weaving industry is promoted through the Government Craft Centre.
  • The state has unique and appealing handloom designs from each of its tribes. The products include skirt (gale), shirt (galuk), cotton shawl, side bag and curtain cloth.

Key nodal agencies in Arunachal Pradesh

Department of Industries

  • The Department of Industries is the main executive and regulatory agency, functioning under the State Government. It oversees and monitors the over all industrial development activities in the state.
  • The department is engaged in various activities such as:
  • Registration of industries regulation and development of industries.
  • Providing finance to small scale and other industries.
  • Distribution of scarce and indigenous raw-materials to different industrial units.
  • Other industrial development related activities.

Arunachal Pradesh Industrial Development and Financial CoAn Introduction to Arunachal Pradesh Economyrporation Limited (APIDFC)

  • APIDFC was incorporated under the Companies Act,1956, in August 1978, to promote and finance industries in Arunachal Pradesh.

Arunachal Pradesh Energy Development Agency (APEDA)

  • APEDA is the state designated agency (SDA) for implementation and enforcement of the Energy Conservation Act, 2001, in coordination with the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), Ministry of Power, Government of India.
  • APEDA is also the state nodal agency for projects connected with clean development mechanism (CDM)

Arunachal Pradesh Khadi and Village Industries Board (APKVIB)

  • APKVIB was constituted by the Government of Arunachal Pradesh in 1989, with the mission to create employment opportunities in the non-farm sector in the rural areas, to promote saleable articles and support rural development to improve quality of life.
  • The industries under its purview include khadi (silk, cotton, woollen), minerals, forest- and agro-based industries, polymer and chemical, engineering and non-conventional energy, textile industry and service sectors.

North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Limited (NeDFI)

  • NeDFI was promoted by Industrial Development Bank of India (IDBI), Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), Industrial Finance Corporation of India (IFCI), Industrial Credit and Infrastructure Corporation of India (ICICI), Unit Trust of India (UTI), Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), General Insurance Corporation of India (GIC) and its subsidiaries and State Bank of India (SBI).
  • Incorporated in August 1995, NeDFI has its headquarter in Guwahati, Assam.
  • NeDFI provides facilities such as project and equipment finance, working capital finance, schemes for development of entrepreneurial skill and market development for products from the Northeast.

Power

  • Arunachal Pradesh had a total installed power capacity of 201.9 MW, under the state and central sector. While 83.3 MW of installed capacity was under state sector, 118.6 MW was under central sector.
    • Hydro power is the major source of electricity generation in the state, contributing around 97.6 MW, followed by 67.4 MW of renewable energy resources and 36.9 MW of thermal power.
    • Arunachal Pradesh has been focusing on developing its huge hydro power potential. The state has set up the Department of Hydro Power Development to oversee, coordinate and monitor hydro power development.
    • The Government of Arunachal Pradesh has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with central sector power generators and integrated power developers (IPD) for the development of 135 hydroelectric power plants, with an aggregate capacity of 25,722 MW

 

03.02.18 Arunachal Pradesh(APPSC) Current Affairs

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NORTH-EASTERN STATES

  • Arunachali yak the first to be registered as new breed

 

  • Yaks, found in the mountainous regions of Arunachal Pradesh, have been registered by the Karnal-based National Bureau of Animal Genetics Resources (NBAGR) as a distinct breed known as Arunachali yak, this being the first instance of such a registration in the country. Union agriculture minister Radha Mohan Singh will formally award the recognition in New Delhi on Wednesday to the representatives of National Research Centre on Yak (NRCY) based at Dirang in Arunachal Pradesh.

 

  • The study found that Arunachali yaks are characterized by their predominantly black body colour and the high fat content in their milk which sometimes goes up to 7.45%. A lactating Arunachali yak produces, on an average, 1.3 kg milk per day. Though the milk is comparatively of poor quantity, it is compensated by the high fat content which makes it useful to produce different milk products.

 

  • However, scientific interventions, especially in the areas of breeding and rearing, have been able to slow down the decline of population as Arunachali yaks still remain the main source of livelihood for many Brokpas (yak rearers). West Kameng and Tawang are mainly dominated by the Monpa community, which treats the yaks as an asset for the rural economy, and rears these animals in organized farms or semi-migratory systems.

 

 

INTERNATIONAL

 

  • Inland Waterways Authority of India signs agreement with World Bank

 

  • Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) signed a project agreement with the World Bank, even as the latter entered into a US $ 375 million loan agreement with the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance for Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP).

 

  • The signing of the Agreement follows the approval of  the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, for the implementation of the US $ 800 million JMVP for capacity augmentation of navigation on National Waterway-1(River Ganga) from Varanasi to Haldia.

 

  • Out of the remaining amount, US $ 380 million is to be sourced through the Government of India counterpart funds from budgetary allocation and proceeds from the bond issue.

 

  • Another US $ 45 million will come from private sector participation under the PPP mode.

 

  • The JMVP, which is expected to be completed by March, 2023, is being implemented with the financial and technical support of the World Bank.

 

  • The project will enable commercial navigation of vessels with the capacity of 1500-2,000 tons on NW-I.

 

 

·        UAE Launches World’s Longest Zip Line

 

  • The United Arab Emiratesmade a record by opening the world’s longest zip line, measuring 83 kmin length.
  • Guinness World Records officials certified the zip line in Ras al-Khaimah.
  • The Jebel Jais Flight takes thrill-seekers atop the country’s largest mountain peak, from a launch pad 1,680 meters (5,512 feet) above sea level.

 

NATIONAL

 

  • Two athletes to represent India at the Winter Olympics

 

  • Luger Shiva Keshavan and cross-country skier Jagdish Singh will represent India at the PyeongChang Winter Olympicswhich begins on February 9.

  • Thirty-six-year-old Keshavan, the country’s best known Winter Olympian, will be taking part in his sixth Games since his debut at Nagano in Japan in 1998.

  • Meanwhile, this will be Jagdish Singh’s maiden Winter Games appearance.

 

  • Textbooks in 4 states to have QR codes: Nilekani

 

  • Schools in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Rajasthanwill have QR codes in their textbooks, enabling students to view video tutorial and customized content from smartphones, informed.

 

  • As part of the initiative, textbooks will have digital links with a QR code printed at the lesson and this code will have digital material related to the particular concept, which could be a short video lecture or a tutorial or a customized content.

 

  • Sharing his experiences of working with the government, Nandan said that one of things that he learnt is that government is a big amplifier. “If intervention happens at an early stage, impact will be bigger. The government is currently spending Rs 18,000 crore on education. At the other end, philanthropic capital is also being funded in the sector.

 

  • Dust mitigation plan must for firms

 

  • The Environment Ministry has made it mandatory for companies seeking environment clearance to ensure that they put in place a dust mitigation plan.

 

  • The requirements, specified in a gazette notification on January 25, say that roads leading to or at construction sites must be paved and black-topped. There could be no soil excavation without adequate dust mitigation measures in place. No loose soil, sand, construction waste could be left uncovered. A water sprinkling system was mandatory, and the measures taken should be prominently displayed at the construction site. Moreover, the grinding and cutting of building materials in open area were prohibited and no uncovered vehicles carrying construction material and waste would be permitted.

 

  • The standards were developed by the Central Pollution Control Board as part of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), and will now empower the organisation to fine companies and agencies for not complying with norms.

 

  • Road dust contributed 56% of all PM10 pollution, while it was 38% for PM2.5.

 

  • Before PM2.5 became the focus of attention — for its role in lodging itself in the lungs and for being a key component of diesel emissions — dust was the key villain for a long time. Dust is a generic term for a vast mix of metals and non-metals — silicon, aluminium, titanium, manganese, copper, barium, antimony, selenium and zinc.

 

Gk bit  – PM (particulate matter)

 

  • PM stands for particulate matter (also called particle pollution): the term for a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air. Some particles, such as dust, dirt, soot, or smoke, are large or dark enough to be seen with the naked eye. Others are so small they can only be detected using an electron microscope.

 

Particle pollution includes:

 

 

  • PM10 : inhalable particles, with diameters that are generally 10 micrometers and smaller; and

 

  • 5: fine inhalable particles, with diameters that are generally 2.5 micrometers and smaller.

 

 

  • The average human hair is about 70 micrometers in diameter – making it 30 times larger than the largest fine particle.

Human Development in Arunachal Pradesh

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Human Development in Arunachal Pradesh

The human development index (HDI) is basically a composite index based on three dimensions of human development—income, health and education. In conventional analysis a country is called rich or poor mainly on the basis of a single indicator—the per capita income. The HDI, on the other hand, puts equal emphasis on all the three dimensions of development. Thus, different indicators of development like per capita income, life expectancy, adult literacy and enrolment ratio are used to construct a single index—the human development index.

In terms of HDI the position of Arunachal Pradesh is dismal, ranking 14th among the 16 major states of India. At a disaggregated level, in Arunachal Pradesh, the district East Siang with an HDI of 0.660 ranks first among the 13 districts, followed by Dibang Valley with an HDI of 0.659. The district of Papum Pare in which the capital complex, Itanagar is situated ranks third with an HDI of 0.573. Further it has been observed that the hilly districts have a lower HDI compared to that of the plain districts.

The spatially uneven process of development in the State has created new challenges and constraints. Usually, the districts or areas bordering Assam, and within the district areas near the urban, administrative centres have better infrastructural facilities than the interiors.Human Development in Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh has been the home of a number of tribes and sub-tribes, and many of them have limited mobility beyond their well-defined local boundaries. Interregional disparities in the State, therefore, have an additional implication—as in many cases, it may reflect inter-tribal disparities to a certain extent.

Though the state has been relatively free from secessionist violence and insurgency, its development performance, particularly in terms of the human development indicators, has not been satisfactory.

Health of Human Development in Arunachal Pradesh

The right to lead a long, healthy and productive life is one of the fundamental prerequisite for human development. In fact, it is one of the essential indicators of peoples’ well-being and quality of life. Apart from the low levels of food and nutrition security, access to health care, education and income, critically conditions the survival and well-being of individuals.

Life Expectancy of Human Development in Arunachal Pradesh

The life expectancy at birth in Arunachal Pradesh is estimated to be 54.05 years, which is less than the national average of 63.30 years. Although, the health conditions in Arunachal Pradesh, by and large, have improved in the post-Independence decades, yet there are no reliable estimates of the changes in the health condition of people in the State.

Papum Pare is the district with the highest life expectancy at birth indicating the best of health status of the people among all the 15 districts of the State, followed by East Siang. At the other extreme is Kurung Kumey, which has a life expectancy of only 42.50 years.

Infant and Child Mortality of Human Development in Arunachal Pradesh

Infant mortality rate measures the health conditions in infancy and it is intricately enmeshed with the low economic conditions of the population. In general, a high IMR in a high fertility society is associated with illiteracy, low level of technology in production and poverty. As per the HDR survey, Arunachal Pradesh has a high IMR of 77.

The IMR in Arunachal Pradesh varies from 113 in Kurung Kumey to 53 in Lower Dibang Valley, the inter-district variation being quite large. In Arunachal Pradesh there are six districts with IMR higher than 90. There are five districts in Arunachal Pradesh with IMR higher than that of Orissa’, the state having the largest IMR.

Immunisation of Human Development in Arunachal Pradesh

The universal immunisation programme (UIP) was introduced by the Government of India in 1985-86 with the objective of covering at least 85 per cent of infants against six vaccine-preventable diseases by 1990. Subsequently, the programme was expanded to cover all the districts of the country and the target now is to achieve 100 per cent immunisation coverage. In spite of the programme being universal, a number of states in the country including Arunachal Pradesh have failed to really ‘universalise’ it.

Educational Attainments of Human Development in Arunachal Pradesh

Literacy Rates

The literacy rate for Arunachal Pradesh, according to 2001 census, is only 54.34 per cent, much lower than the national average of 64.80 per cent. Nevertheless, the State has made some progress in raising the literacy rate—from only 25.55 per cent in 1981 to 54.34 per cent in 2001. However, literacy rate in rural areas is as low as 47.8 per cent, and the rural-urban gap in literacy continues to be very high. Among the ST population literacy has gone up from 14.04 per cent in 1981 to 34.45 per cent in 1991 and further to 49.62 per cent in 2001. Adult literacy rate went up from 23.77 per cent in 1981 to 37.53 per cent in 1991, but in rural Arunachal Pradesh literacy was only 32.61 per cent, which was much below the other northeastern states.

Gender Gap in Literacy

The gender gap in literacy in Arunachal Pradesh as per 2001 census is 20.30 per cent points which is lower than the national average of 21.5 percentage points. The gap between male and female literacy rates in the State declined very slowly during 1981 to 2001. In rural areas, gender gap in literacy is sharper than that in urban areas. Although the gender gap in literacy has been narrowing down in the urban areas; it has remained at around 20 per cent points during the past two decades in rural areas—a fact that needs to be addressed in all future initiatives.

Enrolment

In Arunachal Pradesh, the educational infrastructure continues to be inadequate, but its expansion over the past three decades or so has been impressive. Children, as a result, have better access to schooling today in comparison with the past. Enrolment ratio in the age group 6-11 has gone up from 31.9 to 38.1 per cent, while in 11-14 age group it improved from 42.8 to 61.5 per cent during 1981 to 1991.

Dropout Rates

Improvements in enrolment, however, do not guarantee access to adequate levels of education. The dropout rates in relatively underdeveloped regions are very high. Dropout rates in classes I-V for children in Arunachal Pradesh have come down substantially from 73.9 per cent in 1981-82 to 46.85 per cent in 2004-05. It is still higher than the national average, but there seems to be very little improvement in reducing dropout rate at this stage in the past few years. The dropout rate at this stage had already reduced to 46.89 per cent in 1998-99.

 

Arunachal pradesh human development index

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Arunachal pradesh human development index:-

Human development an integral part of economic development is fastly catching of various stakeholders around the world. It is also about people’s active engagement in shaping development, equity and sustainability, intrinsic aspects of freedom of people have to lead lives they have reason to value. Human development index is a tool devised by United Nations for ranking countries for measuring levels of social and economic development measuring life expectancy, education , literacy and standard of living.

The concept of human development emerged in the late 1980s based on the conceptual foundation provided by Dr. AmartyaSen and Dr. MahbubulHaq. The human development approach puts people at the centre of the development agenda, where economic growth and wealth are considered means to development, not an end by itself. Basically, human development is concerned with the advancing the richness of human life, rather than the richness of the economy in which human beings live. The starting point for the human development approach is the idea that the purpose of development is to improve human lives by not only enhancing income but also expanding the range of things that a person can be and can do, such as be healthy and well nourished, be knowledgeable, and to participate in community life. Seen from this viewpoint, development is about removing the obstacles to what a person can do in life, obstacles such as lack of income, illiteracy, ill health, lack of access to resources, or lack of civil and political freedoms.

There are scores of economic and social indicators which have been used to measure different aspects of socio-economic progress. The Human Development Index (HDI) is a composite index developed to measure the average achievement in basic dimensions of human development. These basic dimensions, as defined by UNDP3 are – a long and health life, knowledge and decent standard of living. While there exists a general consensus on these core dimensions, there could be slight variations in the choice of indicators depending upon the focus and also on availability of feasibility data.

State Profile:-

Till 1972, Arunachal Pradesh was known as the North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA). It gained the Union Territory status on January 20, 1972 and renamed as Arunachal Pradesh. On February 20, 1987, it became a full-fledged state. Its capital is located in Itanagar in the Papumpare district. Itanagar is named after Ita fort meaning fort of bricks, built in the 14th century AD.Arunachal pradesh human development index

Arunachal Pradesh constitutes 2.55 per cent of India’s total geographical area and 31.94 per cent of that of the Northeast. The State is divided into five river valleys: the Kameng, the Subansiri, the Siang, the Lohit and the Tirap. Part of the Eastern Himalayan ranges, Arunachal Pradesh is one of the most picturesque tourist destinations in India.

Human development trends in Arunachal Pradesh:-

  • The State of Arunachal Pradesh is significantly rich in mineral resources, oil and natural gas. The State is also rich in forest products such as bamboo, cane and timber. But in human development index state has been poor performance.
  • The per capita Gross Domestic Product (GSDP) in 2004-05 for the State stands at Rupees 21,919 and the Net State Domestic Product (NSDP) in 1999-2000 is Rupees 14338. Arunachal Pradesh ranks 29 th in the human resource development index and 30th in the poverty index in India, as per the Human Development Report 2001.
  • In 2001 the literacy rate of Arunachal was only 55 percent. Although there has been a remarkable growth of education and health facilities in the state, the performance of the state in the area of human development has come in for a great deal of criticism, as there are considerable interdistrict variations in the levels of services and performance.

Arunachal Pradesh as per Human development report 2005:-

·         The faculty of the Rajiv Gandhi University at Itanagar prepared the report, sponsored by the Planning Commission, for the Arunachal Pradesh government.

 

·         More than a quarter of the population of Arunachal Pradesh will not live beyond 40 years of age.

·         The report shows that 28 per cent of the people are not expected to survive beyond the age of 40, as compared to 16.7 per cent at the national level.

·         It points out that the hilly and steep terrain, inaccessibility and scattered habitations result in poor access to medical facilities and consequently to poor health status.

·         Not surprisingly, districts located at high altitudes or less accessible areas record more premature deaths. In KurungKumey, East Kameng and Dibang Valley (New), more than 40 per cent of the population are not expected to survive beyond the age of 40.

·         In contrast, the well-connected districts, particularly those in the plains, have substantially higher rates of life expectancy. For example, in Papum Pare, a district with good connectivity and access to healthcare facilities, only around 23 per cent of the people are not expected to live beyond 40 years of age.

·         The report noted with surprise that ‘in the cases of premature deaths, variables such as medical facilities or the distance of the village from the health centres, doctor-population ratio and hospital beds per 1,000 people, did not have any significant bearing on premature deaths’.

·         This suggests that the creation of medical facilities alone is not sufficient: awareness, willingness and road connectivity are the more important variables in improving the health status of the population.

·         It also revealed that there was a high degree of inter-district variation in life expectancy among the 15 of the total 16 districts of the state surveyed.

·         Though the people of Arunachal Pradesh strive to remain healthy by following appropriate diets and maintaining regulated lifestyles, their health status is not commendable when measured by conventional indicators, in absolute terms and in comparison with other states and regions.

·         The report said in the past few decades, the state has made significant progress in moving from an absence of hospitals, dispensaries and diagnostic facilities to a relatively wide network of healthcare facilities.

·         However, the increase in health coverage and services has been at a slower pace than the expansion of educational facilities and the growth of the economy.

·         Fortunately, Arunachal Pradesh is relatively free from the problem of discrimination against girl children that many other states in the country face. While the people of Arunachal do have some preference for sons, it is not as deep-rooted as in other regions.

·         This is partly responsible for the relatively better infant mortality rate here than in many other parts of the country. Arunachal Pradesh has an infant mortality rate of 77 per 1,000 live births. Among the 15 big states, Orissa has the highest such rate at 95.

 

 

 

 

23.01.18 Arunachal Pradesh(APPSC) Current Affairs

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NORTH-EASTERN STATES

 

  • Centre to focus on silk sector in NE

 

  • Union minister of state for textiles Ajay Tamta on Monday said the ministry has accorded high priority to develop the silk sector as a viable option for livelihood in the northeast. The region makes up about 21% of the country’s total silk production.

 

  • Muga, known for its golden colour, is found only in the northeast and Assam owns the geographical indication (GI) tag for muga.

 

  • Nearly 3.1 lakh families in Assam are associated with the silk sector. A 60,000-acre area is involved in silk production and plantations for plants for silkworms.

 

  • In the past few years, the Centre has sanctioned about 24 projects in silk sector worth Rs 809 crore for the northeast. Silk production sector can be one of the most effective poverty alleviation tools. 

     

    INTERNATIONAL

     

    • Malta’s Valletta becomes Europe’s Capital of Culture

     

    • Valletta has been officially inaugurated as the European Capital of Culture.

     

    • Over 140 projects and 400 events have been planned in 2018 around three main themes: Island Stories, Future Baroque and Voyages.

     

    • With about 6,000 inhabitants, Valletta is the smallest capital in the European Union.

     

    • It is located in a fortress and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

     

     

    ·        China adds 24 GW in just two months making it biggest producer of solar energy

     

    • Renewable energyuse is increasing day by day almost everywhere.
    • Prime Minister Narendra Modi also weighed on the increase in the use of solar power and also brought ‘Suryaputra’ nations together for better and cleaner future.
    • Solar energy use was noted by China when the country managed to add 10.52 gigawatts (GW) of solar capacity to its national total over the course of July 2017, in addition to the 24.4 GW of capacity that was installed over the first six months of the year.
    • The country is already the biggest producer of solar energy in the world, and that doesn’t seem likely to change anytime soon.
    • In the last two months alone, China has added 24.02 GW of solar capacity.
    • To put that into context, figures from earlier this year put Australia’s total capacity at around 6GW, a figure that’s projected to double by 2020. The US currently has a total capacity of 44.7 GW.
    • Meanwhile, China already cleared its goal of reaching a capacity of 105 GW by the end of 2020.

    ·        Sri Lanka bans import of non-airbag equipped vehicles from July 1

    ð  Sri Lanka restricted the import of the vehicles which do not carry airbags for driver and front seat passenger, Anti-Locking Breaking System standards (ABS) and three-point seat belts for driver and passengers traveling front and rear seats.

    ð  This decision after considering the representations made by motor vehicle importers and manufacturers for a lead time to make required adjustments to comply with the proposed emission standards and safety measures.

    ð  Accordingly, the importation of motor vehicles, which are below emission standards of the Euro IV or its equivalent and not complied with the following safety standards, will totally be prohibited effective from 1st July 2018.

    ·        West Indies to Host 2018 Womens World T20

     

    • The International Cricket Council (ICC)announced the 2018 edition of the Women’s World T20 will be hosted by West Indies in November 2018.
    • Hosts Windies will defend the title they won over Australia in Kolkata in 2016.
    • The three venues were selected by Cricket West Indies through a bidding process and have been ratified by the ICC.
    • The November event in the Caribbean will be the first stand-alone ICC Women’s World Twenty20 after the past five events were played alongside the men’s event.

     

    NATIONAL

     

    ·        India is the 5th Most Attractive Market for Investments: PwC Survey

     

    • India emerged as the fifth most attractive market for investments and the optimism over global economic growth is at a record level, as per the survey of CEOs by global consultancy PwC.
    • The US remains the top spot for global investment. Around 46% of global CEOs consider the US as one of the three most important countries for growth, followed by China (33%) and Germany (20%) at second and third places, respectively. India (9%) bumps Japan (8%) as the fifth most attractive market in 2018.

     

    • Centre bans import of pet coke for trading purpose in Delhi and NCR

     

    • As part of measures to control air pollution, the Union environment ministry has banned import of pet coke for purpose of trading in Delhi and its neighbouring states.
    • It has notified do’s and don’ts for its sale and use in cement plants and other end user industrial units, including refineries.

     

    • The ministry listed 13 points to regulate use of pet coke which is one of the key sources of air pollution in the region.

     

    • The notification was issued in compliance with the 2017 Supreme Court order

     

    Gk bit- Pet coke

     

    • Petroleum coke, or petcoke, is a byproduct from the refining of crude oil. It consists mostly of carbon, with variable amounts of sulfurs and heavy metals. It has many industrial uses, including the production of batteries, steel, and aluminum. Lower grade petcoke, which contains higher concentrations of sulfur, is used as fuel in coal-fired power plants and cement kilns. Lower grade coal is estimated to represent 75% to 80% of all petcoke produced.

    • The increased demand for coal to replace petcoke, which will largely have to be met by imports, coincides with increasing coal consumption in India for power generation.

     

    • India is the world’s second-biggest buyer of foreign coal even though imports have held steady in the last two years because of rising local output.

     

    • RIL becomes India’s first firm to cross Rs 6-lakh crore market cap

     

    • Reliance Industries (RIL) become the first Indian company to cross the Rs 6-lakh crore mark in market capitalisation as its shares touched a 52-week high of Rs 974.5.

     

    • RIL is owned 40% by its chairman Mukesh Ambani, making him the richest Indian with personal wealth of $40.7 billion and the 20th richest globally.

     

    • India’s largest software exporter, Tata Consultancy Services follows RIL with market capitalisation of Rs 5,95,946 crore.

     

    • HDFC Bank become the first bank to cross market capitalisation of Rs 5 lakh crore recently.

     

    ·        Union Government Announces List of 9 New Smart Cities

     

    • Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri announced the list of nine new Smart Cities, which have emerged winners in Round 4.
    • These nine cities are, Silvassa in Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Erode in Tamil Nadu, Diu in Daman and Diu, Bihar Sharif in Bihar, Bareilly in Uttar Pradesh, Itanagar in Arunachal Pradesh, Moradabad in Uttar Pradesh, Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh and Kavaratti in Lakshadweep.