Gogoi orders probe into gas pipeline blast
From Our Correspondent
Guwahati: Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi on Tueday ordered an inquiry into Monday morning blast in the gas pipeline of Assam Gas Company Limited (AGCL) near Moranhat town in Sivasagar district in eastern Assam that killed four persons and injured several others.
In a statement here, Gogoi said that the inquiry would help to ascertain the reasons for the explosion and subsequent fire and to find out if there were any lapses on part of the gas company which is a public sector undertaking of the Government of Assam.
Gogoi also announced Rs 5 lakh as ex-gratia to the next of kin of those killed in the mishap and Rs 50,000 to each of the seriously injured.
A source in the oil industry informed that sometimes miscreants also try to pilfer octane flowing along with the natural gas through such a pipeline.
The octane which can be used as motor spirit has high demand in the market.
A police source in Sivasagar, however, ruled out sabotage behind the gas pipeline blast and subsequent inferno and commented that these pipelines were aging and happen to leak gas now and then.
On the other hand, an AGCL official said that a crater was indeed formed at the site where the pipeline exploded and caught fire.
He said the actual reason behind the blast would be known only after proper investigation by a competent investigating agency.
Mizoram’s new prohibition law will be in force this fiscal
Aizawl: The newly legislated Mizoram Liquor Prohibition and Control Act, 2014, which lifts total prohibition and allows drinks for people above 21 years of age will be in force in the current fiscal. Stating this Excise and Narcotics Minister R Lalzirliana said he discussed the draft Mizoram Liquor Prohibition and Control Rules, 2014 with senior officials in his office today and it would soon be sent to the state Law Department for final approval. The new Act was legislated by the state Assembly in July to replace the stringent Mizoram Liquor Total Prohibition Act, 1995, imposed in the state for 17 years. The minister said the state government was of the opinion that total prohibition did more harm than good to the people of the state as many people died due to consumption of spurious liquor. Only people above 21 years of age would be allowed to drink under the new law while drunken driving and drunken brawls would be severely dealt with, he said. (PTI)
Nagaland Education employees’ bodies call off stir
Kohima: The three-day mass casual leave agitation which began on Monday in protest against the government’s decision to promote one ‘ex-cadre’ to the post of Additional Director, was called off on Tuesday following assurance to review the matter. The agitation was called by the Nagaland School Education Administrative Officers Association (NSEAOA), Nagaland Secondary School Field Officers Forum (NSSFOF) and All Nagaland School Teachers Association (ANSTA). Talking to UNI, NSSFOF convener Mezhu-u Hozoyeh said after a meeting with Parliamentary Secretary for School Education Yitachu and members of the organisation at Kohima on Tuesday, Yitachu agreed to review the promotion of the ex-cadre but sought some more time to study the issue. Following the assurance, the organisation decided to call off the agitation from Tuesday. (UNI)
EEPCO observes Hindi Pakhwara
SHILLONG: In the corporate Head quarter of North Eastern Electric Power Corporation, Shillong, Hindi Pakhwara was inaugurated on 01/09/2013 by AG West Kharkongor, Director(Finance) by lighting the lamp. At the very beginning flower bouquet were presented to the chief guest and other honorable guests. Arun Kumar Pradhan, Hindi Officer presented the welcome address and the programme was conducted by Ashok Kumar Roy,Hindi Officer. On this occasion Anil Kumar, General Manager(HR) urged all the officers & staff to take the active participation in different Hindi competitions which are going to be organised during the Pakhwara. Speaking on the occasion T Kakoti, Executive Director(HR) said that in addition of achieving our main goal and targets, we should also try our best to fulfill our constitutional responsibility of increasing the progressive use of Hindi in our official works. We should put our full efforts to achieve the targets laid down in the annual programme of Hindi. Chief guest AG West Kharkongor, Director (Finance) requested all the employees of the corporation to learn Hindi and use it in their day to day official works.The function was ended with the vote of thanks presented by RE Paul, Manager (Admn).