Author name: OnlineAge

Staff Reporter ITANAGAR, SEP 10: The All Aka Youth Association (AAYA) has sought immediate intervention of the Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister over alleged financial irregularities, misuse and suspected embezzlement of CAMPA funds in the Khellong Forest Division, Bhalukpong, during 2025-26. In a representation submitted to the minister, the association alleged irregularities involving the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Khellong Forest Division, and concerned Range Forest Officers (RFOs), particularly in the utilisation of CAMPA funds and payment of wages to casual and contingency staff, informed AAYA president Musho Gidusow while addressing reporters here today The association alleged that CAMPA funds allocated to the division during 2025-26, including Volume I and II, may have been misused, diverted or embezzled. It also alleged that wages meant for casual and contingency workers were transferred and withdrawn through the personal bank accounts of RFOs instead of being processed through the prescribed official financial mechanism. AAYA called for verification of attendance records, muster rolls, wage registers, bills, vouchers, sanction orders, bank transactions and utilisation certificates relating to casual and contingency workers. It also sought verification of whether the beneficiaries shown in the records actually performed the duties for which payments were made and whether the workers received their wages. Seeking an impartial inquiry, the association urged the government to immediately transfer the DFO and concerned RFOs from their present positions to prevent any possible influence over records, witnesses or the investigation. It further demanded constitution of an independent departmental inquiry committee comprising senior officers not connected with the Khellong Forest Division and a special financial audit of CAMPA and other departmental funds handled by the division during the period under examination. The association also sought protection of relevant official, electronic and financial records to prevent their alteration, destruction or tampering during the inquiry. AAYA urged that statements of concerned casual and contingency workers and other officials be recorded, particularly regarding the actual receipt of wages and the manner in which payments were processed. It further demanded recovery of any government funds found to have been misappropriated or irregularly withdrawn, along with appropriate disciplinary and legal action against those found responsible. The association said the allegations concern public funds and therefore require immediate attention to ensure transparency and accountability. It maintained that an independent investigation would also ensure that officials not involved in any irregularity are not unfairly implicated while those responsible are held accountable in accordance with law.  

ZIRO, SEP 10: The Lower Subansiri district administration on Thursday held a coordination meeting with local hospitality operators to finalise preparations for the upcoming Ziro Festival of Music (ZFM), scheduled from September 24 to 27. The meeting was held at the Golden Jubilee Conference Hall and brought together proprietors and managers of hotels, resorts and lodges ahead of the expected influx of domestic and international visitors to Ziro. Lower Subansiri Deputy Commissioner Oli Perme welcomed the hospitality operators and outlined the administration’s expectations for maintaining high service standards during the festival. She directed all hospitality establishments to ensure professional and quality services for visitors and enforce a proper staff dress code throughout the festival period. The meeting also marked the first official administrative engagement in Ziro for newly appointed Superintendent of Police Techi Hanyir, who was formally welcomed by the district administration and local stakeholders. SDO Hage Tarung urged hoteliers to strictly comply with administrative regulations and guidelines to ensure the smooth conduct of the festival. The Deputy Commissioner said maintaining a uniform dress code and high service standards would help the local hospitality sector present a professional image and ensure a better experience for visitors to Ziro. (DIPR)    

ITANAGAR, SEP 10: The All Arunachal Pradesh Public Transport Federation (AAPPTF) has urged the state government to immediately appoint a regular and competent secretary in the state transport department, claiming that the prolonged absence of a full-time official has affected its functioning. In a representation to Chief Minister Pema Khandu, AAPPTF state president Dobing Sonam said important files were pending, administrative decisions delayed and salaries of departmental as well as contractual employees were reportedly being held up due to the situation. The federation said the Transport Department is one of the state’s key public-oriented departments and any disruption in its functioning directly affects employees and the transport sector. Sonam said transport workers, employees, vehicle owners, drivers, conductors and other stakeholders were concerned over the situation. The federation appealed to the chief minister to personally intervene and ensure the posting of a “regular, experienced and preferably local IAS officer” as secretary of the department without further delay. It also sought immediate priority for clearing pending files and resolving salary-related matters concerning departmental and contractual employees. “This is not merely a routine administrative issue; it directly affects the employees’ livelihood and the functioning of the transport sector in Arunachal Pradesh,” the federation said in its representation. The AAPPTF said it stood firmly with the affected employees and the transport fraternity and urged the government to take “immediate, concrete and time-bound action” to address the issue. Copies of the representation were also forwarded to the state transport minister, chief secretary and officials of the transport department.  

ITANAGAR, SEP 10: Urban Affairs Minister Balo Raja attended a virtual high-level meeting to review preparations for Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2026, chaired by Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal on Thursday. The meeting was attended by senior officials of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, as well as representatives of States and Union Territories. Raja participated in the meeting along with senior officers of the State’s Urban Local Bodies (ULBs). Raja apprised the meeting of Arunachal Pradesh’s preparedness and the initiatives being undertaken by ULBs to strengthen sanitation, solid waste management, legacy waste remediation, public cleanliness and citizen engagement. He reiterated the State government’s commitment to making SHS 2026 a meaningful and people-centric campaign, while addressing the unique geographical and logistical challenges posed by the State’s hilly terrain and dispersed urban settlements. Arunachal Pradesh reaffirmed its resolve to contribute meaningfully to the national campaign and advance the vision of a cleaner, healthier, greener and more sustainable urban environment. Later, Raja also virtually attended the launch of the Operational Guidelines for Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP) 3.0, launched by the Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development. Representatives from all States participated in the programme.  

ANINI, SEP 10: The Vidyalaya Management Committee (VMC) meeting for the academic session 2026–27 of PM SHRI Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Anini, was held on Thursday under the chairmanship of Dibang Valley Deputy Commissioner Yashwant Meena, IAS. The meeting reviewed the overall functioning and development of the school, with discussions covering academic performance, infrastructure, student welfare, school development and other areas requiring attention. The members also deliberated on measures to further improve the learning environment and facilities for students. Meena emphasised the importance of providing students with a safe, supportive and conducive environment for learning and holistic development. He assured the VMC and school authorities of all possible assistance from the district administration in addressing the institution’s requirements and strengthening its infrastructure and facilities. After the meeting, the DC, along with VMC members and school authorities, inspected the school premises, including the academic buildings, mess, hostels and upcoming structures. The team reviewed the existing facilities and ongoing developmental works. The meeting and inspection reaffirmed the commitment of the district administration and VMC towards the continued development of PM SHRI Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Anini, and improving educational facilities and student welfare.