ONLINE AGE

(Online version of the Arunachal Age newspaper)

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Raja pushes for time-bound creation of four municipalities

ITANAGAR : Urban Affairs Minister Balo Raja on Wednesday reviewed the progress on the proposed creation of four new municipalities at Ziro, Namsai, Aalo and Tawang, directing the concerned district administrations to expedite the process while ensuring broad public consultation and stakeholder participation. Chairing a review meeting, Raja assessed the progress made by the respective district administrations and discussed the roadmap for constituting the new Urban Local Bodies, an initiative envisioned by Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu to strengthen urban governance in the state. Emphasising the need for consensus-building, the minister directed the deputy commissioners of the four districts to conduct proper public consultations and take all stakeholders into confidence before finalising the proposals. He also instructed the deputy commissioners to complete all required formalities by August 15, 2026, enabling the process of creating the municipalities to move forward within the stipulated timeframe. Raja said the establishment of the new municipalities would play a key role in strengthening urban governance, improving civic service delivery and promoting planned and sustainable development in Arunachal Pradesh’s emerging urban centres. The meeting was attended by Itanagar MLA and Advisor to Urban Affairs Minister Techi Kaso, Urban Affairs Commissioner Vivek Pandey, Urban Local Bodies Director Hano Takka, deputy commissioners and officials of the concerned districts. Tawang Deputy Commissioner Kanki Darang joined the meeting virtually.      

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APYA seeks probe into alleged irregularities in Puroik Autonomous Board

Staff Reporter ITANAGAR : The All Puroik Youth Association (APYA) on Wednesday alleged large-scale irregularities in the functioning of the Puroik Autonomous Board and sought a high-level inquiry into the implementation of welfare schemes meant for the Puroik community. Addressing a press conference at the Arunachal Press Club here, leaders of the APYA and the All Bichom District Youth Association (ABDYA) said they had submitted a representation to the Chief Secretary seeking a fair and impartial inquiry into the functioning of the board and the alleged financial irregularities. The organisations claimed that although the Puroik Autonomous Board was constituted in 2017 to safeguard the welfare and development of the community, the intended beneficiaries have allegedly been deprived of the benefits of various government schemes. They alleged that money was being illegally collected from beneficiaries in exchange for the allotment of welfare schemes, claiming that beneficiaries were allegedly asked to pay ₹1 lakh for schemes worth ₹10 lakh and ₹2 lakh for schemes worth ₹20 lakh. They termed the alleged practice an act of corruption that has adversely affected the community and deprived genuine beneficiaries of government assistance. Meanwhile, ABDYA president Rasam Rojo alleged that he was physically assaulted on Tuesday night after raising his voice against the alleged irregularities. He claimed that the assault was carried out by Puroik Autonomous Board Vice Chairman Kushuk Sulung Hale. Rojo also accused Hale of allegedly collecting lakhs of rupees from contractors and beneficiaries in connection with development work proposals meant for Puroik-inhabited areas across five districts of the state. Demanding a thorough investigation into the alleged assault, Rojo urged the state government to ensure the safety of individuals exposing corruption and alleged malpractice. He further appealed to the government to reconstitute the Puroik Autonomous Board through a transparent selection process with the involvement of community-based organisations to ensure fair representation, transparency and accountability. The two organisations urged the state government to investigate the allegations and ensure that welfare schemes reach the genuine beneficiaries of the Puroik community. No response from the Puroik Autonomous Board or the individuals named in the allegations was available at the time of filing this report.      

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ZRE organizes charity rides, raise Rs 4.51 lakh for flood victims

ZIRO : Combining their passion for motorcycling with community service, the Ziro Royal Enfielders (ZRE) Motorcycle Club organised two charity initiatives within a week, raising ₹4.51 lakh for flash flood victims in Keyi Panyor district and extending support to inmates of the Grace Rehabilitation Centre at Ziro. ZRE Club Chief Nending Ommo said the club launched an online relief donation campaign following the devastating cloudburst-triggered flash flood that struck the Posa area of Keyi Panyor district on June 24. Inspired by the longstanding Baro-Manyang bond between the Apatani and Nyishi communities, the campaign drew support from individuals, organisations, friendship groups and motorcycle clubs from across the country. Although the club had initially planned an offline fundraising drive in Ziro, it was deferred due to the absence of prior permission from the Lower Subansiri district administration. The club subsequently continued its relief efforts through online fundraising, especially after the Apatani Students’ Union launched a separate donation campaign. As part of the initiative, 16 ZRE riders travelled to Yazali on July 9 and handed over ₹4,51,014 to Yachuli MLA Toko Tatung towards the MLA Relief Fund. The amount was received in the presence of district officials and Zilla Parishad members at the Inspection Bungalow, Yazali. Earlier, the riders were flagged off from Ziro by Ziro-Hapoli MLA Hage Appa. Ommo expressed gratitude to all donors and acknowledged the contribution of the Open Road Wanderers Motorcycle Club, Sikkim, for conducting a fundraising campaign in support of the relief effort. He also conveyed best wishes to the club for hosting the 16th North East Riders Meet 2026. ZRE Vice Chief Hage Duyu said the club organised another charity ride on July 11 in collaboration with the Red River Odyssey Motorcycle Club during the inaugural North East Monsoon Odyssey 2026. Around 70 riders participated in the ride to the Grace Rehabilitation Centre, managed by the Apatani Baptist Association, where they donated cash, food items and refreshments for the inmates. Highlighting the club’s broader social commitment, ZRE General-in-Command Duyu Deilyang said the organisation promotes tourism, brotherhood, communal harmony and social responsibility through motorcycling. He noted that the club has undertaken several community initiatives, including plantation and plogging drives, participation in Mission Clean Kley River, environmental awareness campaigns, visits to orphanages, solidarity marches, and voluntarily surrendering aftermarket loud silencers to the district administration in the presence of the Superintendent of Police last year. Concluding the statement, Ommo thanked all members of the club for their dedication and selfless service, saying ZRE’s strength lies in its diverse membership comprising personnel from the armed forces, entrepreneurs, government employees and professionals from different communities and states. “These achievements are possible only because of the dedication and collective efforts of every member of ZRE. Together, we will continue to ride with purpose, serve society and strengthen the spirit of unity and brotherhood,” he said. (DIPR)        

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Mein reviews implementation of budget announcements

ITANAGAR : Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein on Wednesday reviewed the implementation status of key Budget Announcements for 2026-27 and assessed the financial and physical progress of projects across various departments. In a post on social media, Mein said he directed all departments to accord the highest priority to the timely and effective implementation of budget announcements and expedite flagship initiatives, including the Chief Minister’s Rural Development Programme and the Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Power Development Programme. He emphasised the need to maintain focused attention on priority sectors such as education, healthcare, drinking water supply, connectivity and skill development. The deputy chief minister also instructed departments to submit revised guidelines wherever necessary to strengthen implementation and communicate fund requirements at the earliest. He further directed departmental heads to maintain close coordination with the Planning Department for the prompt resolution of issues and to ensure smooth execution of all priority projects.    

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ZGH Bomdila performs first-ever ENT surgeries

BOMDILA : Zonal General Hospital (ZGH), Bomdila, has successfully performed its first-ever ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeries—tympanoplasty and paediatric tonsillectomy—marking a significant milestone in the expansion of specialised healthcare services in West Kameng district. The surgeries were carried out by the hospital’s operation theatre team led by Senior Anaesthesiologist Dr Ani Siram and ENT Surgeon Dr Hano Ramesh, with support from nursing officers Rushmi, Kanchan and other operation theatre staff. The team ensured safe surgical and anaesthesia care despite the challenges of high-altitude conditions and limited resources. With the addition of ENT procedures, the hospital’s operation theatre is now fully functional round the clock and equipped to undertake routine and emergency surgeries across multiple specialties, including obstetrics and gynaecology, general surgery, orthopaedics, ENT and oncology. The introduction of ENT surgical services is expected to reduce referrals to hospitals outside the district and provide timely access to specialised treatment for residents of West Kameng and neighbouring areas. Hospital authorities, however, stressed the urgent need for the appointment of an additional anaesthetist. At present, the hospital’s 24×7 operation theatre services are managed by a single anaesthetist, posing challenges in ensuring uninterrupted emergency and surgical care. They said strengthening the anaesthesia workforce would further enhance the hospital’s ability to provide quality healthcare services in one of Arunachal Pradesh’s frontier districts. (DIPR)    

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MLA Taram surveys flood-hit areas in Kurung Kumey

KOLORIANG : Arunachal Pradesh Advisor to Home Minister (PHE & Water Supply) and Koloriang MLA Pani Taram on Wednesday conducted an aerial and ground survey of the flood-affected areas of Damin, Paniasang and Parsi Parlo under the 21-Koloriang (ST) Assembly Constituency in Kurung Kumey district to assess the damage caused by recent heavy rainfall and flash floods. The inspection was attended by Kurung Kumey Zilla Parishad Chairperson, Damin Zilla Parishad Member, officers of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Border Roads Organisation (BRO), local officials and a large number of residents. The survey revealed extensive damage across the affected areas. Several roads have been blocked by landslides, while a number of bridges have either collapsed or sustained severe damage, disrupting connectivity to remote villages. Government schools and other public infrastructure have also been affected, adding to the hardship faced by local residents. Interacting with the affected people, Taram assured them that the Arunachal Pradesh Government is committed to providing all possible assistance for immediate relief, restoration of connectivity and rehabilitation of the affected areas. He said a detailed damage assessment report would be submitted to the state government to facilitate immediate intervention and sanction of funds for restoration of essential infrastructure and relief for the affected families. Residents of Damin, Paniasang and Parsi Parlo expressed gratitude to the MLA and the accompanying officials for personally visiting the disaster-hit areas and assessing the ground situation.  

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Former PMC chief councillor Denong Tamuk passes away

PASIGHAT :  Former Pasighat Municipal Council (PMC) Chief Councillor Denong Tamuk, the first elected head of the civic body, passed away at his residence in Banskota here on Wednesday after a prolonged illness. He was 68. Widely respected for his humility and commitment to public service, Tamuk played a pioneering role in strengthening urban governance in Pasighat. As the first Chief Councillor of the PMC, he laid the foundation for modern municipal administration, focusing on civic infrastructure, waste management and planned urban development. Even after demitting office, he remained actively involved in community service and continued to guide socio-political initiatives in East Siang district. Known for his accessibility and people-centric approach, he was frequently consulted by youth organisations, community bodies and local leaders on issues concerning public welfare and development. Condoling his demise, Pasighat East MLA Tapi Darang described Tamuk as a dedicated public servant who devoted his life to the welfare of the people. “Born at Gune village on June 3, 1958, to late Tanyo Tamuk and late Ludam Perme Tamuk, Denong Tamuk dedicated his life to public service with sincerity, humility and unwavering commitment. As the first Chief Councillor of the Pasighat Municipal Council, he played a pioneering role in strengthening urban governance and laying the foundation for the growth and development of Pasighat. His invaluable contributions and enduring legacy will always be remembered with deep respect and gratitude,” Darang said. Former minister and Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee president Bosiram Siram said he had lost not only a valued political colleague but also a close friend. “Beyond his public life, Denong Tamuk was my bosom friend, a trusted companion and a steadfast supporter throughout my political journey. His friendship was built on mutual respect, sincerity and an unwavering commitment to the welfare of our people. I have lost not only a valued political colleague but also a dear friend whose guidance, encouragement and camaraderie I shall cherish forever,” he said. Pasighat West MLA Ninong Ering and Mebo MLA Oken Tayeng, in separate condolence messages, said Tamuk’s contributions to municipal governance and grassroots leadership would continue to inspire future generations. Tamuk is survived by his two wives, children and grandchildren. His last rites will be performed at his native village, Gune, on Thursday.    

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SC flags concerns over CBSE’s digital marking system, seeks govt’s response

NEW DELHI ; Expressing concern over students’ “frustration” in CBSE’s digital marking system, the Supreme Court on Wednesday sought the assistance of Solicitor General Tushar Mehta in hearing a PIL which sought directions to the Centre and the CBSE to frame regulations to conduct exams through on-screen marking (OSM) system. The CBSE’s OSM evaluation system is a digital grading method where teachers assess scanned copies of physical answer sheets on a computer instead of checking physical paper scripts. “Look at the amount of frustration of young children,” a bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant said and sought the assistance of the solicitor general in dealing with the case. The bench, also comprising justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, said there appear to be systemic “creeping problems” in the digital evaluation process. “We are seeking your assistance, not in an adversarial way. There are some problems,” Justice Bagchi told the solicitor general and sought a status report in the case. The top law officer informed the bench that while individual marksheet discrepancies mentioned in the plea have largely been resolved, the government is taking the systemic issues seriously. He said that a one-member commission, led by S Radha Chauhan, has been constituted to review the evaluation system and recommend necessary systemic changes. “We are not taking this adversely,” the SG said. He said the committee is already looking into the grievances. The bench has now asked the solicitor general to apprise it of the steps being taken by the CBSE and listed the matter for further hearing next week. The PIL has been filed by Rakesh Binjola through advocate Laxmikant Matadan Shukla. The petition seeks directions to the Centre and the CBSE to frame regulations for conducting CBSE Board examinations through the OSM evaluation system and to constitute a high-powered committee to supervise and implement such reforms. The petitioner has also sought directions to grant relaxation in minimum qualifying marks for students who have already secured provisional admissions or cleared entrance examinations, as well as exemption from the 75 per cent or other minimum Class 12 marks criteria prescribed for admission to various courses. (Source: PTI)    

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Monsoon preparedness reviewed

YINGKIONG : The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Upper Siang, on Wednesday reviewed the district’s monsoon preparedness and response measures, with Deputy Commissioner and DDMA Chairman Talo Jerang directing all departments to remain on high alert throughout the ongoing rainy season. Chairing the review meeting at the DC Conference Hall here, Jerang held one-to-one interactions with heads of various departments to assess their preparedness and response mechanisms. He stressed the need for prompt action during emergencies, particularly in clearing road blockades along the Dite-Dime-Migging (DDM) road and the Tuting-Palling-Yingkiong road to ensure uninterrupted traffic movement and the supply of essential commodities. Describing the Tuting-Palling-Yingkiong route as a vital lifeline for residents of Tuting subdivision and adjoining border areas, besides its strategic importance, the DC instructed all concerned departments to work in close coordination to restore connectivity at the earliest whenever disruptions occur. Heads of departments, officers of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), including 105 Road Construction Company (RCC) and 761 Border Roads Task Force (BRTF), as well as representatives of road construction agencies, presented updates on road connectivity, power and water supply, and the availability of essential commodities. The meeting was informed that the Dite-Dime-Migging-Tuting road, which had remained closed for nearly a month due to massive landslides at several locations, was reopened for traffic on July 14, bringing much-needed relief to residents of the Tuting subdivision. District Disaster Management Officer Anie Yangfo, in his introductory remarks, highlighted the objectives of the meeting and emphasised the importance of coordinated efforts among all departments to ensure effective disaster preparedness and timely response during the monsoon season. (DIPR)

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Library awareness prog held

NAMSAI : As part of the National Reading Month observance, the District Library, Namsai, under the aegis of the district administration, organised a Mass Library Awareness Programme to promote reading habits and literary awareness among students. The programme featured a series of competitions, including quiz, story-telling, essay writing and drawing, with enthusiastic participation from students representing schools across the district. The events provided a platform for participants to showcase their knowledge, creativity, communication skills and artistic talent. The winners of the competitions will be felicitated during an award ceremony scheduled to be held at the District Library, Namsai, on July 18. The programme was attended by retired IAS officer Tape Bagra, Namsai Additional Deputy Commissioner NK Namchoom and other officials, who appreciated the initiative for fostering a reading culture and encouraging lifelong learning among the younger generation. (DIPR)