Author name: OnlineAge

ITANAGAR : National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), Regional Office, Itanagar General Manager-cum-Officer-in-Charge SV Ranga Rao called on Governor Lt Gen KT Parnaik (Retd) at Lok Bhavan on Saturday and discussed measures to strengthen rural livelihoods and enhance economic opportunities for farming and rural communities across Arunachal Pradesh. During the meeting, the Governor underscored NABARD’s pivotal role in promoting sustainable agriculture and integrated rural development. He advised the institution to ensure the timely and uninterrupted flow of credit to the agriculture sector, small-scale enterprises, cottage and village industries, artisans and rural entrepreneurs, enabling them to contribute more effectively to the State’s economy. Referring to his recent interaction with women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in Boleng, Parnaik observed that the women of Arunachal Pradesh are hardworking, resilient and enterprising. He said that with proper guidance, skill development and access to financial resources, they can emerge as key drivers of socio-economic transformation. He urged NABARD to continue supporting grassroots initiatives that empower women and strengthen rural livelihoods. Highlighting the importance of financial inclusion, the Governor stressed the need to strengthen microfinance institutions, SHGs and rural banking networks to ensure that financial services reach underserved and economically weaker sections of society. He said empowering rural communities, particularly women and youth, through accessible credit and livelihood opportunities is essential for achieving inclusive and sustainable development in the State. Ranga Rao assured the Governor that NABARD would continue to work with dedication and commitment to fulfil the aspirations of the people of Arunachal Pradesh, particularly those belonging to rural and agrarian communities.    

ITANAGAR : Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein on Saturday said BJP workers are not just political functionaries but “ambassadors of service, development and social responsibility”. Addressing the valedictory session of the Deendayal Upadhyaya Prashikshan Maha Abhiyan 2026 for Siang Zone II at Roing in Lower Dibang Valley district, Mein said the training programme helped strengthen ideological clarity, organisational discipline and the spirit of service among party workers. He said the initiative, inspired by Upadhyaya’s philosophy of ‘Integral Humanism and Antyodaya’, reaffirmed the BJP’s commitment to the welfare of the last person in society and the broader goal of national development. “The training programme served as a vital platform to strengthen ideological clarity, organisational discipline and the spirit of service among our dedicated workers,” he said in a social media post. Reflecting on the party’s ideological foundations, Mein said the BJP’s growth has been driven by an unwavering focus on national interest. “From the vision of Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee and the sacrifices of countless workers to the transformative leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP’s journey has always been guided by the principle of ‘Nation First’,” he said. He said BJP workers have consistently demonstrated their commitment to public service. “Our karyakartas are not merely political workers; they are ambassadors of service, development and social responsibility,” he said, citing their contributions during natural disasters, the COVID-19 pandemic and various community welfare initiatives. The deputy CM said it would inspire renewed commitment to serving the nation with integrity, dedication and selflessness. He felicitated noted social workers from Dibang Valley and Lower Dibang Valley districts for their contributions to society. (Source: PTI)    

YAZALI : The concluding day of Beej Utsav 2026 brought together scientists, policymakers, community leaders and grassroots stakeholders at Government Higher Secondary School, Yazali, reaffirming Keyi Panyor’s status as India’s first “Bio-Happy District” and outlining a roadmap for sustainable and climate-resilient development. Co-organised by the 16th Yachuli Assembly Constituency MLA Office, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Keyi Panyor, Arunachal State Rural Livelihoods Mission (ArSRLM) and the MS Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF), the event focused on integrating scientific innovation with indigenous knowledge systems. A technical panel on nature-based solutions, chaired by Principal Chief Conservator of Forests P Subramanian, examined how the district’s forests, wetlands and agro-ecosystems can serve as natural buffers against climate change. The panel prepared recommendations for submission to the State Government for incorporation into Arunachal Pradesh’s State Action Plan on Climate Change. Padma Bhushan awardee Rajeev Sethi conducted a design workshop highlighting the potential of agricultural by-products such as rice straw, bamboo offcuts and seed husks for use in handicrafts, sustainable packaging and eco-friendly construction materials. He advocated the establishment of a design incubation cell in Keyi Panyor linked to national craft institutions to promote green entrepreneurship and cultural industries. The highlight of the day was the launch of the “Seeds of Hope” ecological greening initiative, a district-wide programme aimed at mobilising community seed conservers, schoolchildren, tribal councils and youth clubs as custodians of the environment. Presiding over the launch alongside Yachuli MLA Toko Tatung, MSSRF Chairperson Dr Soumya Swaminathan described the initiative as a practical expression of the district’s Biohappiness philosophy, with women and youth playing a central role. The Arunachal Agrobiodiversity Festival and Sustainable Livelihoods Exhibition concluded with a marketplace session showcasing more than 60 indigenous crop varieties, traditional food processing techniques and value-added products developed by community seed conservers, the Spices Board and local enterprises, including NAARA AABA. Organisers announced that a permanent Agrobiodiversity Resource and Market Linkage Centre would be established in the district to strengthen conservation and livelihood opportunities. Addressing the valedictory session, Yachuli MLA Toko Tatung reiterated his commitment to translating the resolutions and recommendations emerging from the festival into concrete policy measures within the current financial year. Dr Swaminathan also announced that MSSRF would partner with KVK Keyi Panyor in documenting and publishing the district’s indigenous ecological knowledge systems to support national-level policy formulation. The valedictory programme was attended by Mebo MLA Oken Tayeng, Keyi Panyor Deputy Commissioner Oli Perme and senior representatives of the co-organising institutions.      

ITANAGAR : Governor Lt Gen KT Parnaik (Retd) on Saturday interacted with students from Kurung Kumey district who have secured admission to Sainik Schools, and encouraged them to uphold discipline, dedication and excellence as they embark on a new phase of their academic journey. During the interaction at Lok Bhavan, the Governor, himself a former Sainik School student, shared his experiences and advised the young achievers to remain focused on academics while building strong character and leadership qualities. Describing Sainik Schools as premier institutions that prepare students for leadership roles and future entry into the National Defence Academy and the Indian Armed Forces, Parnaik said life in these institutions demands discipline, physical fitness, mental resilience and a strong sense of responsibility. Congratulating the students on their achievement, he termed their success a matter of pride for Kurung Kumey district and Arunachal Pradesh. He expressed confidence that they would make the most of the opportunity and emerge as responsible citizens and future leaders. The Governor also appreciated Koloriang Assistant Commissioner Nangram Pingkap for spearheading a free coaching initiative that enabled students from rural and remote areas to successfully clear the entrance examinations. He lauded the efforts of Indian Army personnel, teachers and mentors who guided the students despite geographical and logistical challenges in the district’s interior regions. Parnaik further acknowledged the vital role played by parents in shaping the future of their children and commended them for choosing Sainik Schools as a pathway to quality education, discipline and national service. He said the collective efforts of parents, teachers, mentors and community leaders are crucial in nurturing the nation’s future leaders. Briefing the Governor, Koloriang Assistant Commissioner Nangram Pingkap outlined the district administration’s collaborative efforts with the Indian Army to identify, mentor and prepare students from remote areas of Kurung Kumey for the Sainik School entrance examination. He said sustained guidance, dedicated coaching and community support had contributed significantly to the students’ success. Koloriang MLA Pani Taram, 19 Battalion Jat Regiment Commanding Officer Col Rohit Gularia, Sarli Company Commander Major Sarvodaya Tak, along with parents and teachers, were present on the occasion.