MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS GOVERNMENT OF INDIAA Monthly Newsletter on the North Eastern Region of India Also available on Internet at : www.mha.nic.in

Vol. XV. No. 07, July, 2013

NEFOR FREE PUBLIC CIRCULATION

NEWSLETTER

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C o n t e n t s

editorial Board

Chief editorshambhu singh

editorsDr. M.C. MehAnathan

J.P.n. singh

B.R. Dhiman

DEVELOPMENTS WITH REFERENCE TO NORTH EASTERN REGION

v DEVELOPMENTS WITH REFERENCE

TO NORTH EASTERN REGION

v ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT UNDER

CIVIC ACTION PROGRAMME BY

CENTRAL ARMED POLICE FORCES

v INITIATIVES OF HRD DIVISION,

DeitY, MINISTRY OF INFORMATION

TECHNOLOGY IN NORTH EASTERN

REGION

v ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKN BY MINISTRY

OF PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS IN

NORTH EASTERN STATES

v READERS COLUMN

v LETTERS TO EDITOR

1. A meeting was held in the Ministry of Home Affairs on 9.7.2013 to review the implementation of clauses of Assam Accord under the chairmanship of Joint Secretary (NE). In the meeting issues such as updating of NRC-1951 in Assam, status of functioning of Foreigners Tribunals in Assam, revival of Ashok Paper Mills (APM), measures taken by the State Government for flood control, construction of fencing and flood lighting along Indo-Bangladesh Border, implementation of Assam Gas Cracker project etc. were reviewed.

2. A tripartite committee meeting was held on 9.7.2013 in the Ministry of Home Affairs under the chairmanship of Joint Secretary (NE) to review the implementation status of various clauses of memorandum of settlement signed between the Central Government, the Government of Assam and the United Peoples Democratic Solidarity (UPDS).

3. A tripartite committee meeting was held on 10.7.2013 in Ministry of Home Affairs under the chairmanship of Joint Secretary (NE) to review the implementation status of various clauses of the memorandum of settlement signed on 8.10.2012 between the Central Government, the Government of Assam and the Dima Halam Daogah (DHD) Joel Garlosa faction.

4. A meeting was held on 11.7.2013 under the chairmanship of Joint Secretary (NE) to consider modalities/SOP for updating NRC-1951 in Assam.

5. United Tribal Liberation Army (UTLA) (S.K. Thadou Group) surrendered in Manipur with 34 cadres and 25 weapons on 17.7.2013.

6. Suspension of Operation (SoO) Agreement with National Democratic Front of Boroland (Progressive) (NDFB/P) has been extended for a further period of three months upto 30.09.2013.

7. The 14th Meeting of Joint Working Group and Home Secretary level talks between India and Bangladesh were held during 19th – 23rd July, 2013 in New Delhi. The Indian delegation was led by Shri Anil Goswami, Union Home Secretary and Bangladesh delegation was led by Mr. C.Q.K. Mustaq Ahmed, Senior Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of Bangladesh. In the meeting, issues related to security, border management, implementation of various agreements, ratification of Land Boundary Agreement, repatriation of sentenced persons and fishermen, setting up of a Joint Task Force

Freedom implies not only emancipation from political bondage but also equal distribution of wealth, abolition of caste barriers and social inequities and destruction of communalism and religious intolerance. -Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose

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ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT UNDER CIVIC ACTION PROGRAMME BY CENTRAL ARMED POLICE FORCES

(A) Activities undertaken by Assam Rifles

1. Medical/veterinary camps

(i) 29-Assam Rifles organised a medical camp for children at St Joseph Children’s Home at United North Block, Dimapur, Nagaland on 1st July, 2013. About 26 children received medical care.

(ii) 29-Assam Rifles organised a medical camp for the children at Refugee Home, New Showaba, district Dimapur, Nagaland on 2nd July, 2013. About 65 children received medical care.

(iii) 40-Assam Rifles organised a dental camp at Andro Community Hall, Imphal East district, Manipur on 3rd July, 2013. About 269 persons received medical care.

(iv) 38-Assam Rifles organized a medical camp at Khoken village, Churachandpur district, Manipur on 6th July, 2013. About 64 persons received medical care.

(v) 16-Assam Rifles organised a dental camp at Dongsum village, district Ukhrul, Manipur on 7th July, 2013. About 249 villagers received medical care and free medicines.

(vi) 25-Assam Rifles organised a medical camp at Keleo village, Dama Hasao district, Assam on 10th July, 2013. About 127 persons received medical care.

(vii) 40-Assam Rifles organized a medical camp at Maidangpok Khunou village, Imphal East district, Manipur on 11th July, 2013. About 240 persons received medical care.

(viii) 43-Assam Rifles organised a medical cum eye camp at Motbung village, district Senapati, Manipur on 16th July, 2013. About 339 persons were received medical care.

(ix) 10-Assam Rifles organised a medical camp at Nonei village, district Tamenglong, Manipur on 19th July, 2013. About 526 persons received medical care.

(x) 24-Assam Rifles organized a medical camp at Khudengthabi village, district Chandel, Manipur on 22nd July, 2013. About 78 persons received medical care.

2. Fecilitation function. 15-Assam Rifles felicitated outstanding National and International players at district Thoubal, Manipur on 9th July, 2013. 16 International players and 44 National level sports persons were felicitated during the function.

3. IT Literacy Programme.

(i) 26-Assam Rifles organised a two week computer training programme at Ratu village, district Aizawl,

on Fake Currency, construction/erection of fencing along the border, finalization of SOP for maintenance of boundary pillars, holding regular meeting between DMs/DCs of border districts, mechanisms

for controlling human and drug trafficking, curbing the activities of cross-border movement, visa and consular related matters and capacity building etc. were discussed.

IT Literacy Programmes organised by Assam Rifles

Mizoram on 5th July, 2013. 14 boys and girls attended the programme.

(ii) 27-Assam Rifles organised a three days computer literacy programme at Waikhong High School, Waikhong village, district Thoubal, Manipur on 9th July, 2013. 35 children attended the programme.

4. Awareness Drive

(i) 15-Assam Rifles organised an awareness programme on population control including a lecture on population control at Upper Khoripok village, Thoubal district, Manipur on 11th July, 2013.

(ii) 9-Assam Rifles organised a lecture on Human Rights at Moreh, district Chandel, Manipur on 24th July, 2013. About 120 villagers attended the event.

5. Lecture on Employment Opportunities for Youth.

(i) 28-Assam Rifles organised a speech at Luglei, Mizoram on 7th July, 2013 in which the youth were provided guidance on joining Security Forces and other employment opportunities.

(ii) 30-Assam Rifles organised a speech on ‘Career Prospects in Defence Services’ for students of

Speech on employment opportunities for youth organised by Assam Rifles

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July 2013

Government High School, Khonghampal and Potsangbam Khullen, Imphal West district, Manipur on 23rd July, 2013. Approximately 100 students and teachers attended the programme.

6. Lecture on HIV/AIDS.

(i) 14-Assam Rifles organized a speech on HIV/AIDS for student of Government College, Serchhip, Mizoram.

(b) 28 Assam Rifles organised a speech on ‘Drug Abuse and HIV/AIDs’ at Old Saiha village, district Lunglei, Mizoram. 110 persons attended the programme.

(c) 30-Assam Rifles organised HIV/AIDS awareness programme at Government High School Chingmeirong on 9th July, 2013, Imphal West district, Manipur. Students and teachers of the school attended the programme.

(d) 16-Assam Rifles organised an awareness camp on HIV/AIDS at Litan Village, district Ukhrul, Manipur on 21st July, 2013. 65 villagers attended the camp.

Speech on HIV/AIDS organised by Assam Rifles

7. Drawing competitions

(a) 43-Assam Rifles and 30-Assam Rifles organised drawing competitions at Government High School, Henbung village, district Senapati and Mapao Khulen village, district Imphal West, Manipur. 105 students from class V to VIII

participated in the competitions.

(ii) 38-Assam Rifles carried out a tree plantation drive at various locations in Mulhaichin, district Churachandpur, Manipur on 24th July, 2013. 250 saplings were planted.

9. Blood Donation Camp

(i) 40-Assam Rifles organised a blood donation camp at Keithelmanbi Garrison, district Imphal West, Manipur in which 70 jawans donated blood.

(ii) 27-Assam Rifles organised a blood donation camp at unit hospital with the assistance of Blood Bank, Jawahar Lal Nehru Institute of Medical Science and NGO Club 25, Imphal on 25th July, 2013. 83 Assam Rifles personnel donated blood during the camp.

(iii) 45-Assam Rifles organised a blood donation camp on 16th July, 2013 with the assistance of Civil Medical Authorities of North district, Tripura. 21 jawans donated blood.

Drawing competitions organised by Assam Rifles8. Plantation drive.

(i) 18-Assam Rifles carried out a tree plantation drive at Jalukie, Peren district, Nagland jointly with the Jalukie Forest Division on 16th July, 2013. 1000 saplings were planted during the drive.

Tree Plantation drive organised by Assam Rifles

Blood Donation camp organised by Assam Rifles

10. Donation of Sports Equipment to boxing association. 25-Sector, Assam Rifles donated boxing kit to the Boxing Association, Margherita, Assam on 23rd July, 2013, during the Assam State boxing competition. 36 children participated in the boxing event which was held from 26th to 28th July, 2013.

11. Selection of local girls in Military Nursing Services. With the constant guidance and help of 5-Assam Rifles, two local girls from Maram, Manipur were selected for Military Nursing Services Training, 2013 batch.

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(B) Programmes undertaken by Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)

1. CISF Unit OIL Duliajan:- Shri R. P. Singh, IG/CISF NES HQRS Kolkata visited CISF Unit, Oil Duliajan on 16.7.2013. He visited the Unit line, Quarter Guard and the unit Canteen. He reviewed the Parade and addressed the Sainnik Sammelan also.

2. CISF Unit BCPL Dibrugarh: CISF Unit BCPL Dibrugarh, observed International day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on 26th June, 2013. On the occasion, banners were displayed at all important locations, the plant and the township. A road march from CISF township to the plant gate was organised, and CISF personnel carried banners and posters for public awareness on drug abuse and illegal trafficking. After the road march, a closing ceremony was held in which speeches on the subject were delivered to make the CISF personnel aware about their role in fighting drug abuse and illegal trafficking.

3. CISF Unit ONGC Nazira: CISF Unit ONGC Nazira observed International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on 26th June, 2013, in which following activities were carried out:-

(a) Speeches were delivered on “International day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking” by Sector Commanders at their respective sectors.

(b) Display of banners at ONGC Nazira complex, market and ONGC colony.

(c) Distribution of posters and slogan on drug abuse at K V School, market place, public meeting area, local street etc.

(d) A rally was organised on 26.6.2013 at ONGC campus and Nazira market on the occasion to encourage and spread awareness among people in the area.

4. CISF Unit, BTPP Bongaigaon: CISF Unit BTPP, Bongaigaon organised a medical health cum help camp for children jointly with NTPC Management on 20.62013 at the campus of Primary School Salakati and Bumki Village. School bags were distributed to the students of these schools.

(C) Programmes undertaken by Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)

1. CRPF organised a free medical camp in Kamakhya

Temple (Assam):- 175-Bn, CRPF organised a medical camp at Kamakhya temple, Kamrup during Ambubaci mela on 24-26, June, 2013. Free medicines were distributed to the people in the camp.

2. CRPF organised sarbat programme in Kamprup district, Assam: On 29th June, 2013, 175-Bn, CRPF organised a Sarbat distribution programme at Rani Industrial Area, Kamrup for factory workers and local people to promote good public police relationship. The unit Medical Officers sensitized participants about hygiene and sanitation.

3. CRPF provided solar lights in Kohima District: 78-Bn, CRPF provided sports kit to the school children belonging to the Govt. Primary School, Sechuma, Zechu, Sechu Zubza and Lerie Hill, Kohima, Nagaland, which was deeply appreciated by the school authorities and local people of the area.

(D) Programmes undertaken by Border Security Force (BSF)

1. On 25th July, 2013, Shri B. D. Sharma, Additional Director General alongwith Shri Sudesh Kumar, Inspector General BSF, Meghalaya Frontier, Senior members of BWWA (BSF Wives Welfare Association) BSF Doctors and other officers visited the Old Age Home at the Sisters of Charity, Holy Child Old Age Home at Domthering, Shillong and distributed spectacles to the needy inmates.

2. On 26th July, 2013, BSF, Meghalaya Frontier organised a free surgical rectification of cleft lip and palate camp under the aegis of Border Security Force Wives Welfare Association (BWWA) in association with Smile Train & Rotary Club of Calcutta Victoria. The noble project named ‘Darpan’ was initially launched on 31st January, 2013 at Kolkata by the BSF, Director General, Shri Subhash Joshi. The Meghalaya leg of ‘Darpan’, project, was flagged-off on 26th July, 2013 at Woodlands Hospital, Shillong and Composite Hospital, Shillong by Shri B. D. Sharma, Additional Director General.

3. On 28th July, 2013, BSF Wives Welfare Association (BWWA) organised a programme at the old age home “Apna Ghar”. The BWWA workers of Ftr HQ BSF, Salbagan, Agartala presented sarees to the old ladies of Apnaghar and had luncheon with the inmates. On the occasion, senior BSF officers, office bearers of BWWA, Smt. Milan Prabha Majumdar, President of the NGO, Abalamban, Smt. Sandhaya Lashkar, Superintendent, Sh. Dilip Paur, Secretary and Sh. Shubhankar Ghosh, Treasurer were also present.

4. Van Mahotsav day was observed on 4th July, 2013 at all the BSF locations in Tripura with much enthusiasm and participation of all the troops of the campus and Border Out Posts. Thousands of saplings were planted in remote areas of Tripura. In Salbagan campus a special programme was organised in which Shri Rajni

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Kant Mishra, Inspector General, officers, other ranks and their families planted saplings of neem, amala, dalchini, champa, devadar and mango. The programme was inaugurated by Sh Rajni Kant Mishra, Inspector

General, Tripura Frontier who exhorted the people to ensure that the saplings planted grow up for the benefit of people. Senior officers and men of Ftr HQ BSF Tripura and 29-Bn BSF planted saplings.

INITIATIVES OF HRD DIVISION, DeitY, MINISTRY OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN NORTH EASTERN REGION

I. Setting up of NIELIT Center at Agartala (Tripura)

National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) Agartala Centre is aimed to facilitate the youth of Tripura to have easy access to education and training in the field of Computer Science and Information Technology. It has a well-equipped State-of-the-Art training infrastructure, with qualified and trained faculty members, resulting in generation of quality and employable manpower.

The Govt. of Tripura has provided 7,000 sq. ft. of built up space at the Directorate of IT Campus, ITI Road, Indranagar, Agartala where the initial training facility of NIELIT Agartala centre has been inaugurated on 10th February,’2009 by Sri Manik Sarkar, Chief Minister of Tripura.

The Centre offers training programs to improve employment opportunities and facilitates availability of quality IT manpower, progressive growth of IT industry in the region. The mix of courses in formal and non-formal sectors offered by the centre provides opportunities for education and training in computer and information technology and other related disciplines not only to school pass-outs with Science and Mathematics background; but also to students with Arts, Commerce, Humanities and Social Sciences background.

The institute offers formal courses, like BCA, long term courses like IT ‘O’ level, IT ‘A’ level, CHM ‘O’ level, CHM ‘A’ level, NIELIT BCC, professional training in Dot Net & Java and other short term courses like NIELIT CCC, DTP & Office Automation, Information Security & Cyber Law, ITES-BPO, PC Hardware & Networking, advance diploma in software engineering, professional training in Dot Net & Java etc.

The Govt. of Tripura has also handed over 15 Acres of land at Agartala for setting up a state-of-the-art campus of NIELIT with residential facilities for staff and students. This campus envisages separate hostels for boys and girls. The new campus at Radha Kishore Nagar in Agartala will enhance the current intake capacity and generate more skilled manpower in the area of IECT and related disciplines for making available industry-ready professionals as also will provide a platform to promote e-learning. The Institute will also provide consultancy in e-Learning and IT and related assistance for development of IT industry in the North Eastern Region and will function in close consultation with the Government of Tripura. The institute aims to start formal degree programmes like B.Tech. and M.Tech after the permanent campus comes up. The construction of Academic Building, Administrative Building etc is in progress and the new campus is expected to be operational during 2014.

Signing of MoU with Tripura University. Seen in the picture are Registrar, Tripura University; Vice Chancellor, Tripura

University and Managing Director, NIELIT

Inauguration of Tripura Centre of NIELIT by Shri Manik Sarkar, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tripura on 10th

February 2009

II. New NIELIT Extn Centres at Silchar & Jorhat:

Recently two new Extension Centres of NIELIT have become operational at Silchar and Jorhat in the State of

Assam. These centres are being set up under the project “Development of North Eastern Region by enhancing Education/Training capacity in the IECT area”, approved by the Union Cabinet.

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Shri J Satyanarayana-IAS, Secretary to Government of India, DeitY- MCIT delivering the inaugural address at

CPGS- Barapani

Shri J Satyanarayana, IAS, Secretary to Government of India, DeitY, MCIT , Shri WMS Pariat- IAS , Chief Secretary, Govt of Meghalaya, Prof RB Singh- Chancellor-CAU & President – NAAS and Dr. GV Ramaraju,

MD &CEO- Media Lab Asia inaugurating the m4agriNEI lab.

III. Media Lab Asia

Launch of Mobile Based Agro Advisory System in North-East India

Media Lab Asia has taken up a project namely “Development and Deployment of Mobile Based Agricultural Extension System in North-East India (M4Agri NEI)” along with Central Agricultural University (CAU), Imphal. The major objective of M4AgriNEI is to empower the farmers by providing right information on right time. M4AgriNEI is using an integrated platform namely “Interactive Information Dissemination System (IIDS)” to enable the farmers to interact with the experts through multiple models viz. toll free IVRS, smart phone application and interactive web portal.

The College of Post Graduate Studies (CPGS), Barapani of CAU is the implementing agency in Meghalaya and will provide advisory services to the farmers. Initially the target is to cater around 5000 farmers from three districts of Meghalaya viz East Khasi Hills, Ri-Bhoi and West Garo Hills. So far 1800 farmers’ database has been digitally documented at M4AgriNEI laboratory. Any farmer interested to get advise may register for the services through field co-ordinators and M4AgriNEI experts.

Shri J Satyanarayana, Secretary to Government of India, DeitY, MCIT launched the project on 8th June 2013 in a function held at the College of Post Graduate Studies, Central Agricultural University (CAU), Umiam (Barapani), Meghalaya in the presence of Prof R B Singh, Chancellor, Central Agricultural University & President, National Academy of Agricultural Sciences and Shri W M S Pariat, Chief Secretary, Government of Meghalaya. Apart from the senior officers from ICAR, State agriculture and allied departments, faculty, staff and students of the College of Post Graduate Studies and village heads and farmers from project villages, Dr S N Puri, Vice Chancellor, Central Agricultural University, Smt. Chandralekha Malviya, Sr. Advisor & Group Coordinator, DeitY, MCIT, GoI, Dr A Bandyopadhyay, National Coordinator, NFBSFARA, ICAR, Dr. G. V. Ramaraju, MD & CEO, Media Lab Asia and Dr R J Rabindra, Dean, College of Post Graduate Studies, Barapani attended the function.

ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKN BY MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS IN NORTH EASTERN STATES

I. EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION (E&P) ACTIVITIES IN NORTH-EAST UNDER THE PRODUCTION SHARING CONTRACT (PSC) REGIME

Under the PSC regime, 31 exploratory blocks have been awarded in the North-Eastern States (Arunachal Pradesh-1, Assam-19, Manipur-2, Mizoram-3, Nagaland-2, Tripura-4) covering an area of 43785 square kilometer. Out of these, 7 blocks have been relinquished (Arunachal Pradesh-1,

Assam-5, Tripura-1). In addition, there are 2 discovered fields in operation under PSC regime namely Kharsang in Arunachal Pradesh and Amguri in Assam.

2. In the above blocks/fields, following exploration activities have been carried out during the month of May, 2013.

a. 2D Seismic (LKM): 37.02 LKM (Total)b. 3D seismic (SKM): 4 SKM (Total)

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c. Exploratory wells: Drilling of 1 appraisal well is in progress in Block AA-ONN-2001/1 in Tripura.

d. Development wells: One infill development well KPL-3E-2 is under drilling and KSG#67, an infill development well was completed on 18th May 2013 and has been put into production at an initial gross rate of 75 barrels of oil per day (“bopd”) in Kharsang field.

e. Discoveries: One discovery notified to GOI in block AA-ONN-2002/1 in Tripura operated by M/s Jubilant.

3. Exploration activities have been stopped/not allowed to commence by the State Government of Nagaland in 2 blocks. Further, in 7 blocks (Assam-5, Manipur-2), environmental clearance/forest clearance is yet to be granted by MoEF/State Governments. In addition, 2 blocks (AA-ONN-2010/2 & AA-ONN-2010/3) in Assam are awaiting grant of Petroleum Exploration License (PEL) from the State Government and work in another 1 block in Assam is held up due to dispute with Govt. of Nagaland.

4. Oil and Gas Production:

a. Kharsang: Average production of crude oil was 1855 barrels per day (260 TPD) and that of gas 63227 standard cubic meters per day during May, 2013.

b. Amguri: Field has been closed w.e.f. December 2011 due to shutdown of the last flowing well. The contract of one of the Joint Venture partners viz Canaro Resources Ltd. in Amguri was terminated on 29.08.2010 due to contractual issues. Efforts are being made to re-start field operations.

II. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE BY ONGC UNDER CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (CSR)

ONGC Assam Asset extends financial assistance from time to time to different organizations for sponsorships towards activities for socio-economic development in and around the operational areas of ONGC. The details of financial assistance given under various focus areas under CSR Scheme during the month of May 2013 are as below:

CSR ACTIVITIES DURING THE MONTH OF MAY-2013

SI. No.

CSR focus area Area Sponsored / Project Amount Date of sanction

District

1. Seminar/ Conference Sivasagar Sponsored 1,00,000 07.05.2013 Sivasagar

2. Infrastructure Support Nazira Project 1,50,000 (2nd installment)

09.03.2012 Sivasagar

3. Infrastructure Simaluguri Project 6,09,300 (2nd installment)

04.06.2012 Sivasagar

4. Art & Cultural Sonari Sponsored 80,000 09.05.2013 Sivasagar

5. Art & Cultural Demow Sponsored 50,000 09.05.2013 Sivasagar

6. Art & Cultural Nazira Sponsored 80,000 09.05.2013 Sivasagar

7. Art & Cultural Tengapukhuri Sponsored 79,000 (2nd installment)

09.05.2013 Sivasagar

8. Infrastructure Geleky Project 30,000 23.11.2012 Sivasagar

9. Art & Cultural Nemuguri Sponsored 50,000 15.05.2013 Sivasagar

10. Art & Cultural Charaideo Sponsored 50,000 15.05.2013 Sivasagar

11. Art & Cultural Mechagarh Sponsored 2,00,000 15.05.2013 Sivasagar

12. Art & Cultural Mahmora Sponsored 80,000 15.05.2013 Sivasagar

13. Art & Cultural Nazira Sponsored 35,000 17.05.2013 Sivasagar

14. Art & Cultural Bonamali Sponsored 40,000 17.05.2013 Sivasagar

15. Art & Cultural Joysagar Sponsored 10,000 17.05.2013 Sivasagar

16. Health Care Safrai Sponsored 4,00,000 17.05.2013 Sivasagar

17. Entrepreneurship Nazira Project 10,000 20.05.2013 Sivasagar

18. Infrastructure Mathurapur Project 4,00,000 17.04.2013 Sivasagar

19. Sports Betbari Sponsored 1,57,500(2nd installment)

31.05.2013 Sivasagar

Total Rs. 23,20,800/-

III. STREET DRAMATICS AIDING CSR IN OIL INDIA LIMITED (OIL) OPERATIONAL AREAS IN UPPER ASSAM

As part of its awareness programme, OIL has taken an initiative of conducting street play in villages of its operational areas. The street play has been chosen as an effective communication tool to address the various issues

connected to the hazards and risk of life and property due to miscreant activity like cutting pipes, pilferage and related issues. The play titled ‘Dekhor Shampad Amar Shampad (Nation’s property, our property)’ also illustrates OIL’s contribution to the economy of the state, OIL’s CSR activities and awful impacts to bandhs and blockades.

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MHA requests the readers to send their response through e-mail at: donedc-mha@nic.in

Request for free copy of the NE Newsletter indicating language preferred or suggestions, if any, may be sent to the Chief Editor/Editor at the address given below:

Readers are also requested to e-mail their e-mail address for getting a copy of the N.E. News Letter through e-mail.

Edited and Published by N.E. Division, Ministry of Home Affairs, North Block, New Delhi - 110 001 Printed by: Chandu Press, D-97, Shakarpur, Delhi-92, Ph.: 22526936

LETTERS TO EDITOR

It gives me an immense pleasure and knowledge. Therefore, I would like to request you to kindly send me a copy of NE Newsletter in English to the address given below:-

Sd/-N. Toripkiu Tikhir,

B.P.O & Village- Pokphur,P.O. & District- Kiphire- 798611,

Nagaland

I shall be grateful & thankful to you if you kindly send NE Newsletter regularly to the address given below:-

Sd/- Nani Sai,

District Planning Office, Lower Subansari District,

Arunachal Pradesh

On behalf of your NE Newsletter, we as the members of North Eastern Bio-Economic Rural Development Activities (NEBRDA) request you to send NE Newsletter as it is too distinct-able to the youths of our village and most of the people. So, kindly send NE Newsletter regularly to the address given below.

Sd/-Kh. N. Rauman,

Secretary, NEBRDA,Imphal East, Manipur

RNI Reg. No. R-72398/99

READERS COLUMN

The NE monthly Newsletter is published in English, Assamese, Bengali and Manipuri and has a circulation of 40,000 copies. Ministry of Home Affairs brings out the publication incorporating important information/developments concerning North Eastern States.

Ministry of Home Affairs, through the Newsletter, requests for inputs for the Newsletter from the State Governments, agencies, institutions and individuals highlighting the area specific issues, problems, special features, potential for tourism, environmental protection or special efforts/achievement in various fields. Views and write-ups from general public are also solicited on specific issues/problems including on measures for resolution thereto in the North East.

Articles should be sent in a hard copy format accompanied by floppy/CD version along with photographs. Articles should be accompanied by an abstract of maximum of 150-200 words. Readers are encouraged to send comments and suggestions (upto 300-400 words) on published articles. All letters should have writer’s full name and postal address. The selected articles will be published in the monthly NE Newsletter with due editing.

The troupes visit villages every Sunday in OIL’s operational areas and perform three to four shows in different locations, identified by PR officials. The troupe will be staging 156 shows (3 shows every Sunday) covering most of the key villages in OIL’s operational area within March, 2014.

The logistics of doing street theatre necessitate simple costumes and props, and often there is little or no amplification of sound, with actors depending on their natural vocal and physical ability. The street play which is a popular genre which includes local language and dialects, dance, mime and slapstick in an outdoor setting. The performances need to be highly visible, loud and simple to follow in order to attract audience.

At the end of each show, pamphlets highlighting OIL’s community development/CSR initiatives and hazards of pilferage activities are distributed. At the end of the Street Play, viewers interact and share their views on the

subject with the drama troupe. The troupe maintains a log book where the spectators and OIL officials present on the spot in each show give their feedback alongwith on site photographic evidence.

OIL had successfully used street play as a communication tool to create awareness before implementing its successful CSR Project ‘Rupantar’. Based on past experience and having known the mental set up of the target audience/people of operational areas, Public Relation (PR) department of OIL has engaged ‘Pathar’ a popular drama troupe from Duliajan. Pathar drama troupe was engaged in the ‘Rupantar’ Street Play and also performed for various other departments of OIL for generating awareness. This is certainly one of the biggest (year-long) street play campaign launched by the corporate sector to promote diverse issues concerning the interests of the industry as well as of the stakeholders.