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Mithi alters Apang's decisions

The Arunachal Pradesh government has decided to change the site for the National Institute of Bio-Diversity from Yingkiang to Itanagar. Sub centres would come up at Bhalukpong, Yachuli, Along, Roing, Miao and Deomali.

The institute is to be sponsored by the Centre.

State Finance Minister and ruling Arunachal Congress-M party spokesman L Wanglet said the change was because ''there was lack of facilities" at Yingkiang.

It was the previous Gegong Apang ministry that had settled on Yingkiang.

Meanwhile, the state cabinet decided to revise the pay scale for university teachers from January 1996. Arrears would be paid in two instalments, one in cash and the other credit, Wanglet said.

The decision would cost the exchequer Rs 6 million. Of this, the Centre would reimburse 80 per cent.

The cabinet also decided to restore the independent status of the state assembly secretariat, thereby reversing the previous government's decision.

Reeling out statistics, Wanglet said the state had had a ''negative budget'' for the past three years, even going for overdrafts twice in 1995 and 1998. The government was not in a position to pay salaries to its teachers; it needed another Rs 30 million for this.

The equity share of the Arunachal Pradesh Industrial Development and Financial Corporation will be enhanced to raise local funds. The government was also contemplating levying sales tax on luxury items like television and refrigerators, and on petroleum products to raise funds, the finance minister said.

Wanglet said his government would stress more on agro-based industries and forest products to boost the local economy. Restrictions on minor forest produces like cane and bamboo would be removed. Issuing of land possession certificates would also be made easier, he said.

He said the government faced an addition burden of Rs 960 million due to the implementation of the Fifth Pay Commission recommendations.

UNI

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