Author name: OnlineAge

AIZAWL : The National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) has assured major technical and infrastructure support to Arunachal Pradesh for strengthening and modernising the State’s dairy sector following a high-level meeting held on the sidelines of the Regional Meeting of the Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Department in Aizawl. The meeting was led by AHV&DD Secretary Gabriel D. Wangsu on behalf of the Government of Arunachal Pradesh and NDDB Chairman Dr Meenesh C. Shah on behalf of the Board. Senior officials of the Department of Animal Husbandry, Veterinary and Dairy Development (AHV&DD) also attended the discussions. The meeting focused on addressing key challenges in the dairy sector and identifying collaborative measures for sustainable dairy development in Arunachal Pradesh. Discussions covered infrastructure development, breeding improvement, fodder planning, cooperative strengthening and adoption of dairy models suited to the State’s hill ecosystem. One of the major issues raised was the high transportation cost involved in bringing High Genetic Merit (HGM) cattle from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Andhra Pradesh to Arunachal Pradesh. NDDB assured that the matter would be taken up with Railway authorities to facilitate smoother and more economical transportation of cattle. The issue of low conception success rates associated with sex-sorted semen in the State also came up for discussion. NDDB agreed to provide substantial doses of sex-sorted semen free of cost from its Sabarmati Artificial Insemination Centre along with technical support. To strengthen cooperative coverage in the dairy sector, NDDB informed that a comprehensive Detailed Project Report (DPR) is being prepared for establishment of two new dairy plants, refurbishment of two existing plants, setting up of Dairy Cooperative Societies (DCS), formation of Milk Unions and installation of Bulk Milk Coolers (BMCs) at strategic locations. The proposal is aimed at enabling the State to avail financial assistance under the White Revolution 2.0 programme. The meeting also discussed utilization of Fisheries Department land in West Kameng district for establishment of a 200-capacity milch cow rearing centre to support fresh milk supply in the Tawang sector. A dedicated fodder farm is also proposed on nearby departmental land under the AHV&DD Department. In the area of fodder development, NDDB agreed to assist in preparation of a comprehensive State Fodder Plan, including mineral mapping in collaboration with the Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute (IGFRI), Jhansi. NDDB further expressed willingness to provide technical expertise and logistical support for establishment of small-scale biogas plants under the ANAND model to promote sustainable dairy practices in the State. Regarding dairy infrastructure, DPRs have already been prepared for refurbishment of dairy plants at Pasighat and Karsingsa with estimated project costs of ₹11 crore and ₹13.50 crore respectively. Proposals have also been prepared for establishment of two new dairy plants at Namsai and Warjong at estimated costs of ₹17.79 crore and ₹25.57 crore respectively to strengthen milk supply chains, including supply to Army establishments. Recognising the unique geographical conditions of Tawang and West Kameng districts, NDDB proposed adoption of the Ladakh model of dairy development involving smaller livestock holdings with wider farmer participation. Both sides also agreed to develop realistic and implementable timelines for all proposed projects. A non-binding and non-financial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NDDB and the Government of Arunachal Pradesh is expected to be signed next month to formalise future cooperation. The NDDB Chairman, along with a technical team, is also expected to visit Arunachal Pradesh shortly to assess ground realities and finalise timelines and detailed project projections. The meeting is being seen as a significant step towards strengthening the dairy ecosystem of Arunachal Pradesh and enhancing dairy-based livelihoods, nutritional security and rural economic development in the State.    

ITANAGAR : Women and Child Development, Social Welfare and Art & Culture Minister Dasanglu Pul on Tuesday reiterated the state government’s commitment towards women empowerment and welfare of women and girl children while addressing a two-day training and awareness programme for One Stop Centre (OSC) functionaries at Dorjee Khandu Convention Centre near IG Park here. The programme brought together more than 100 protection officers, counsellors, ASHA workers and frontline personnel from western districts of the State for capacity building on issues concerning women and child protection. Addressing the participants, Pul said women today are increasingly occupying leadership roles in governance and administration, reflecting the progress made in women empowerment across the State. She noted that more than 33 per cent seats in local bodies such as Gram Panchayats, Municipalities and Zila Parishads are occupied by women, while many women have also secured seats in the general category. “Women empowerment is about enabling women to make informed choices and lead their lives with dignity socially, educationally, economically, politically and psychologically. The Government is extending all necessary support for empowerment of women and protection of girl children,” the Minister said. Pul urged the participants to make effective use of the training sessions and continue enhancing their knowledge so that they can better assist women and vulnerable sections of society during times of need. The Minister also assured that the issue relating to irregular payment of salaries of protection officers and counsellors would be addressed. APSCW Chairperson Yalam Taga Burang said the programme was aimed at strengthening the capacities of protection workers and counsellors through technical sessions conducted by experienced resource persons. She informed that a similar training programme for participants from eastern Arunachal Pradesh would be organised shortly. The training sessions focused on issues such as sexual harassment, child marriage, rape, drug abuse, child trafficking, mental health, rights of persons with disabilities and other crimes related to women and children. Officials informed that the trained participants would return to their respective districts to support and guide women in coordination with community organisations and local bodies. The programme also highlighted the role of OSCs in providing integrated support services to women in distress across the State. Among others, Cultural Affairs Secretary Mimum Tayeng, Itanagar Municipal Corporation Mayor Likha Nari, Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Women (APSCW) Chairperson Yalam Taga Burang, APSCW Member Secretary Yukar Dawe and APSCW Vice Chairperson Tsering Dolma attended the programme.      

ITANAGAR : Governor K T Parnaik has urged law students to view law as a public trust dedicated to justice for common citizens and imbibe passion in their chosen profession. Addressing students and faculty members during a visit to Jarbom Gamlin Government Law College, Jote, on Tuesday, the governor highlighted development such as digital courts, e-filing, virtual hearings, and a focus on constitutional rights and urged students to combine legal knowledge with empathy, ethics, and social sensitivity, an official report from Lok Bhavan said. The legal sector has become essential and highly relevant in today’s time, he said. Parnaik emphasised that the college should focus on strengthening legal research, community legal outreach, technology-driven legal education, and ethical leadership to contribute towards the vision of Viksit Bharat. He highlighted the importance of studies on constitutional governance, cyber laws, indigenous rights, environmental protection, border issues, and tribal rights, while encouraging active Legal Aid Cells and AI-assisted legal research. Stressing discipline, integrity, and constitutional values, Parnaik expressed confidence that the institution would emerge as a beacon of justice, knowledge, and human dignity, inspiring future generations through quality legal education and public service. Stating that the goal of law is justice, he emphasised that legal education carries the responsibility of promoting fairness, truth, and service to humanity. He urged the college to emerge as a leading hub of legal scholarship and public service in the North East, contributing to issues such as governance, customary law, indigenous rights, and environmental concerns. Addressing faculty members, Parnaik emphasised academic excellence, innovative methods, research, mentorship, and institutional discipline, and urged the college community to uphold integrity, originality, and a commitment to excellence in legal education. On the college campus, the governor said the quality and standard of infrastructure and maintenance need improvement. He urged the entire college fraternity, including students, to work together to create a cleaner, greener, and more academically vibrant campus environment. Education commissioner Amjad Tak, Jarbom Gamlin Government Law College principal Dr Gijo George, Papum Pare deputy commissioner Lobsang Tsering, and Higher & Technical Education director Dr Milorai Modi were also present. (Source: PTI)      

BOLENG : In a significant development for the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), 18 additional households from Begging village on Tuesday signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) related to preparation of the project’s Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR). The MoU signing programme was held at the office of the Siang Deputy Commissioner in Boleng and was overseen by Siang Deputy Commissioner Tayi Taggu in the presence of district administration officials. Earlier, 36 households from the village had signed the agreement. With the latest addition, the total number of households from Begging village signing the MoU has risen to 54. Officials stated that the increasing participation reflects continued dialogue and engagement among stakeholders regarding the proposed multipurpose project. The district administration has been facilitating consultations and discussions with local residents to ensure community participation and awareness during the ongoing PFR process. The Siang Upper Multipurpose Project is considered one of the major proposed infrastructure projects in the region, and developments related to the PFR process are being closely monitored by the administration and concerned agencies. (DIPR)      

BALINONG : Trade & Commerce Minister Nyato Dukam on Tuesday visited the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) at Balinong in Changlang district to review its developmental prospects and discuss key infrastructure requirements with officials and local stakeholders. The Minister was accompanied by Trade & Commerce Director Sonyung Modi, Officer on Special Duty Riakji Duchok and Deputy Director Toko Togur. During the visit, the Minister held discussions with officers of the district administration, the Department of Trade & Commerce and members of the local community, including the SEZ Balinong Committee, regarding issues concerning development of the Special Economic Zone. The team was received in the presence of Changlang Superintendent of Police Kirli Padu, Kharsang Sub-Divisional Officer Dorjee Wangchu and Miao Assistant Commissioner Nawang Thutan. Villagers of Balinong, led by Balinong GB and GPC Wangman Ronrang along with local youths, accorded a warm welcome to the visiting team. During the interaction, the villagers submitted a memorandum seeking early and expeditious development of the SEZ. They also urged the Government to construct a flood protection wall along the Dehing River covering the Balinong and Magantong areas to safeguard the locality from erosion and flooding. Responding to the demands, Nyato Dukam assured that the concerns and developmental requirements raised by the villagers would be examined for necessary action at the earliest. The Minister reiterated that under the leadership of Chief Minister Pema Khandu, the state government remains committed to promoting trade, infrastructure and economic development across Arunachal Pradesh.      

KHONSA : A motorcycle rally was held in Tirap district to mark the death anniversary of Havildar Hangpan Dada, who was killed while foiling an infiltration attempt along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir in 2016, an official said on Tuesday. The rally, organised by the Khonsa Battalion of Assam Rifles, was flagged off on Monday from the Deomali helipad and concluded at Dada’s memorial in Borduria. Havildar Dada, who was serving with the 35 Rashtriya Rifles at the time, lost his life during an encounter with militants in the Naugam sector of Kupwara district. He had led his team in close-quarter combat against infiltrators, killing four terrorists before succumbing to his injuries. Around 70 participants, including Assam Rifles personnel and civilians, took part in the rally, carrying messages of national integration, peace and remembrance of the sacrifices made by the armed forces, the official said. The event concluded with floral tributes at the Borduria memorial, where Assam Rifles personnel paid homage to the decorated soldier and reiterated their commitment to preserving his legacy and inspiring future generations through his courage and sacrifice, he added. (Source: PTI)