Cambridge University, Mizoram sign pact    
In the bid to enhance the quality of education in the State, the Mizoram Government has signed a Rs 17 crore agreement with the University of Cambridge to train the teachers in developing English language skills. The project aims to define the parameters for implementation of a comprehensive teachers¡¦ training in English and general teaching skill programmes in the State. Mizoram Government would allocate approximately Rs 3.5 crore in their annual Budget for the purpose. About 16,000 teachers across the State would benefit from this programme over a period of five years starting from April this year, L Tochhong, Commissioner and Secretary for Education said.Mizoram would be the second State to sign such contract with the foreign university after Rajasthan, Dr Mark Bartholomew, Regional Director, University of Cambridge said.

Pawar lays down foundation stone     
Foundation for constructing the first ever cricket stadium in Nagaland was laid by President of the Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI) Sharad Pawar at Sovima village in Dimapur in presence of the President of Nagaland Cricket Association (NCA) and Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio.

NSCN (IM) appeals to Naga people     
NSCN (IM) said that it would undertake a Herculean task to uproot social menaces including smuggling, adulteration of oil and use of drugs and alcohol in the State.

Zoramthanga against rehabilitation    
Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga is against the rehabilitation of Bru refugees so long as there are still Bru militants. Zoramthanga said that while everything has been done to expedite the resettlement of Bru refugees currently lodged in North Tripura, it was not possible to go ahead with the resettlement programme so long as there are still Brus taking up arms against the State. He also stated that he had informed his decision to Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil. Zoramthanga has also said that Bru Liberation Front of Mizoram (BLFM) cadres are using the refugee camps as refuge where they collect donations and recruit people. ¡§While this is going on, it is impossible to resettle the refugees. They should stop their violence and surrender before we can take up any programme concerning the resettlement of refugees,¡¨ Zoramthanga clarified. 

Arunachal Pradesh Assembly passes Budget
Arunachal Pradesh Assembly unanimously passed the Budget for 2006-07 after a five-hour discussion. Responding to the budget discussion, Finance, Planning, Tax & Excise Minister Kalikho Pul, spelt out a four-pronged strategy to attach top priority to health, education, social sector, agriculture and horticulture sector. He said transport, tourism, mining, tax collection would get equal priority for enhancing the revenue collection so that the State Government could spend more fund for development under non-plan heads as over 77 per cent of plan head is spent on salary and wages.

Naga appointed to Guwahati HC  
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has congratulated Zeire Angami on his appointment as Additional Judge, Guwahati High Court (designate) initially for a period of two years. In a congratulatory message, the Chief Minister expressed confidence that Angami¡¦s vast experience in the judicial system of the country would stand him in good stead in discharging the onerous and respectable assignments. ¡§And that you will contribute immensely to uphold the honor and prestige of the judiciary¡¨ Rio stated. On behalf of the people as well as his own, Rio wished well Angami on the new assignment and ¡§I will look forward for your support and assistance to the cause of delivery of justice to the public.¡¨

Apang warns disobedient doctors
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Gegong Apang   warned the doctors of stern action like even termination of services if they tried to jeopardise the health care system. Chief Minister Gegong Apang directed Health and Family Welfare Minister C.C.Singpho to terminate those doctors who refused to abide by the transfer orders. The Chief Minister assured that he would look into the problem and said that essential medicines should be made available in all health centres and any one supplying spurious medicines should be punished. Talking on private practices by doctors, Mr Apang said the government might consider a hike in doctor¡¦s  salary but would not allow private practices while paying non-practicing allowance. Doctors may quit their jobs and do private practise.

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