Author name: OnlineAge

ITANAGAR : The All Nyishi Students’ Union (ANSU) has urged the Arunachal Pradesh government to publish a comprehensive White Paper on land compensation disbursed under the Frontier Highway Project in Kurung Kumey, Kra Daadi and East Kameng districts, seeking greater transparency and accountability in the implementation of the project. In a representation submitted to the Commissioner of Land Management on Thursday, the union sought publication of the White Paper within 15 days, detailing compensation sanctioned and disbursed under the project. ANSU said the Frontier Highway Project involves substantial public expenditure and directly affects the rights and interests of thousands of landowners and beneficiaries, making transparency, fairness and accountability essential in the compensation process. Referring to a writ petition pending before the Itanagar Bench of the Gauhati High Court concerning land compensation in the Kurung Kumey stretch of the project, the union alleged that compensation was released despite directions issued by the court on April 10 this year, without mandatory physical verification, videography, photography and other procedures required to verify the existence and extent of land, structures and plantations before disbursement. The union sought district-wise, package-wise and village-wise details of compensation sanctioned and paid, the complete list of beneficiaries, valuation methodology, verification reports, survey records, GPS mapping and geo-tagging documents. It also called for disclosure of complaints, departmental inquiries, vigilance proceedings, audit observations, recovery actions and pending judicial cases related to land compensation under the project. ANSU further demanded disclosure of the total compensation disbursed, the source of funds and corrective measures initiated to recover any excess or fraudulent payments while ensuring lawful compensation to genuine beneficiaries. It said publication of the White Paper would strengthen public confidence and reaffirm the government’s commitment to transparent governance. The union also demanded constitution of a recovery committee within seven days to identify and recover any excess, fraudulent or unauthorised compensation released under the Frontier Highway Project. It further sought declassification and public release of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) investigation report on the alleged land compensation irregularities, saying its disclosure was necessary to ensure transparency, accountability and restore public confidence. In a separate representation to Arunachal Pradesh Land Management, Urban Affairs and Housing Minister, ANSU sought an official meeting involving the district administration, the Land Management Department, the local MLA and representatives of the union to discuss issues related to the proposed Kamla Hydroelectric Project. According to the union, the meeting would enable stakeholders to obtain first-hand information on land acquisition, compensation, rehabilitation and other related issues, while helping prevent disputes similar to those witnessed during land compensation for the Lada-Sarli stretch of the Frontier Highway in East Kameng district and facilitating smooth implementation of the hydropower project.    

YUPIA : The Papum Pare district administration, in collaboration with the All Nyishi Youth Association (ANYA), Papum Pare unit, and the Yupia Youth Association (YYA), has resolved to intensify action against illegal encroachment and unauthorised occupation of government land and residential quarters. The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Papum Pare Deputy Commissioner Lobsang Tsering at the DC Conference Hall here on Friday. The meeting was attended by representatives of the two youth organisations, Additional Deputy Commissioners of Sagalee and Kimin, Balijan Circle Officer, the District Land Records and Settlement Officer (DLRSO), heads of departments and officials from various government departments. The meeting decided to create a comprehensive database of government land allotments, residential quarters and cases of unauthorised occupation by government employees as well as members of the public. Mechanisms for monitoring and safeguarding government assets were also discussed. Addressing the meeting, the DC said coordinated efforts between the administration and stakeholders could significantly reduce encroachment on government land and public assets. He noted that the government has adopted a stricter approach by linking the issuance of no objection certificates (NOCs) and vigilance clearances with service benefits, including promotions, Modified Assured Career Progression (MACP) and retirement benefits. He added that several employees had already faced delays in receiving such benefits due to unresolved cases of unauthorised occupation of government quarters. Tsering directed all heads of departments to ensure that employees under their control do not encroach upon government land or occupy government quarters unauthorisedly. He warned that officers who knowingly ignore such violations could also face action under the Arunachal Pradesh Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act and other applicable rules. He further asked departments to maintain updated records of government land and quarters and extend full cooperation in identifying and removing encroachments. Additional Deputy Commissioner (Headquarters) and Estate Officer Tame Yajum informed the meeting that Joint Inspection Teams (JITs) would be constituted to verify cases of encroachment on government land and public premises in response to demands raised by the two youth organisations. She said the teams would be headed by the Administrative Officer of the respective jurisdiction and include representatives of the district administration, ANYA and YYA to ensure transparency during inspections. Yajum also urged representatives of the youth organisations to familiarise themselves with the provisions of the Arunachal Pradesh Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act. She informed that the demarcation of the Yupia district headquarters had been temporarily suspended due to lack of funds and expressed hope that the exercise would resume once funds were available. Sagalee Additional Deputy Commissioner Kipa Raja stressed the need for scientific mapping of all government land and residential quarters through a digital inventory incorporating land demarcation details, geo-coordinates, geo-tagged photographs and boundary records to strengthen monitoring and facilitate timely detection of encroachments. Kimin Additional Deputy Commissioner Ocean Gao and Balijan Circle Officer Pura Rallo briefed the meeting on the status of government quarters and encroachment-related issues in their respective jurisdictions and assured full cooperation in the proposed inspection and verification exercise. Representatives of departments including the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED), Rural Works Department (RWD), Health, Education and Power departments also assured the administration of their support in safeguarding government land and public assets. ANYA Papum Pare unit president Likha Robin, YYA president Tana Tako and YYA general secretary Teshi Ramesh expressed concern over the growing incidence of illegal encroachment and unauthorised occupation of government quarters. They urged the administration to initiate strict action against violators irrespective of status and emphasised the need for comprehensive documentation of government land, office premises and residential quarters to prevent future encroachments. The meeting concluded with a collective resolve by the district administration, government departments and the two youth organisations to work in close coordination through regular inspections, proper documentation and strict enforcement of relevant legal provisions to protect government land and public assets. (DIPR)      

Staff Reporter ITANAGAR : The Arunachal Frontier Tribal Forum (AFTF) on Friday termed the state government’s decision to constitute a six-member committee to examine the abolition of the 80:20 reservation ratio in government recruitment an “eyewash” and accused it of delaying action on the long-pending issue. Addressing a press conference at the Arunachal Press Club here, AFTF chairman Tadak Nalo announced a one-month ultimatum to the state government to abolish the existing reservation ratio and introduce mandatory Permanent Resident Certificate (PRC) and Arunachal Pradesh Scheduled Tribe (APST) certificate requirements for candidates appearing in recruitment examinations conducted by the Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) and the Arunachal Pradesh Staff Selection Board (APSSB). Nalo said the committee, headed by Industries Minister Nyato Dukam, was constituted on July 6 to examine the feasibility of abolishing the existing reservation ratio and making PRC and APST certificates mandatory for recruitment examinations. He, however, alleged that a similar committee headed by former Education Minister Taba Tedir had been constituted in 2022 on the same issue and submitted its report in 2024, but no action had been taken on its recommendations. Nalo also alleged that the Itanagar Capital Region administration denied permission for the forum’s proposed protest rally scheduled for July 11 despite the AFTF having obtained clearances from the police and the Itanagar Municipal Corporation. According to him, the district administration cited directions from higher authorities while refusing permission. The forum has deferred the proposed rally for one month and urged the government to implement the recommendations of the earlier committee by notifying mandatory APST and PRC requirements for APPSC and APSSB examinations. Warning of intensified agitation, Nalo said the AFTF would launch a statewide democratic movement after August 10 if the government failed to act within the stipulated period. He also urged the government to withhold the notification for the Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Combined Competitive Examination (APPSCCE)-2026 until the proposed eligibility criteria are implemented.    

ZIRO : The Governing Council of the District Mineral Foundation Trust (DMFT), Lower Subansiri, on Friday approved a series of infrastructure and development projects worth ₹65 lakh aimed at improving civic amenities and public infrastructure in mining-affected areas of the district. The meeting, held at the Golden Jubilee Conference Hall, was chaired by Lower Subansiri Deputy Commissioner and attended by Ziro-Hapoli MLA Hage Appa along with heads of various district departments. The Council approved the District Mineral Foundation Trust (DMFT) work plan for 2026 under the Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY). Most of the sanctioned works will be executed by the Water Resources Department (WRD), Ziro Division. Among the major projects approved are upgrades to the Padi Yubbe Outdoor Stadium, including installation of plastic gallery seats, painting and electrification works. The Council also sanctioned the construction of community toilets at Subu Ago (Doginanii) and Hill Top, Hapoli, with the latter to be taken up following site realignment. Other approved works include installation of cattle traps at Sikhebo and Hagio in Hari, construction of a siltation pit at Myolyang, and maintenance of classrooms and sanitation facilities at Upper Primary School (UPS) Sibe and Upper Primary School Pare Ami. The Council also approved procurement of computers, inverter backup systems and repair of uninterrupted power supply (UPS) units for government offices and educational institutions to strengthen administrative and educational infrastructure. The District Mineral Foundation Trust, constituted under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, implements development initiatives under the Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana in mining-affected areas. During the meeting, the Council reiterated its commitment to transparent utilisation of funds and called for timely and quality execution of all sanctioned projects. (DIPR)    

YACHULI : The Arunachal Bullet Club (ABC) has extended relief assistance to families affected by the recent severe weather in Keyi Panyor district, providing financial support and essential supplies to aid their recovery. As part of the relief initiative carried out on Thursday, members of the club, in coordination with the Keyi Panyor district administration, distributed a total of ₹1.5 lakh in cash assistance to affected families to help them meet urgent expenses, including medical treatment, household repairs and other essential needs. To address challenges posed by continuing power outages and heavy rainfall, the club also distributed relief kits comprising solar lanterns, umbrellas, buckets and mugs. The club said the initiative was aimed not only at providing immediate assistance but also at expressing solidarity with the affected families during their recovery. Prior to the distribution, the organisation informed the Keyi Panyor Deputy Commissioner to ensure that the relief drive complemented the ongoing assistance being provided by the district administration. The ABC expressed gratitude to the district administration for its support and guidance, as well as to the volunteers who contributed to the successful execution of the relief drive. A community-based organisation of motorcycling enthusiasts in Arunachal Pradesh, the club regularly undertakes social welfare initiatives, including relief operations, community outreach programmes and public awareness campaigns across the state.    

YAZALI : A grassroots relief initiative led by Recovering Warriors, a support group of recovering addiction survivors from Oyan, has raised ₹89,100 for families affected by the recent flash floods in Keyi Panyor district. The three-day donation drive was spearheaded by former Oyan Zilla Parishad Member Bimol Lego and Oyan Gaon Burah Bobita Bori, who mobilised residents, traders and commuters to contribute towards relief and rehabilitation efforts. In a further show of solidarity, the Adi Artists Association (AAA), East Siang district, contributed an additional ₹50,000, taking the total contribution to ₹1,39,100. According to the East Siang Deputy Commissioner, the amount contributed by the association has been deposited directly into the bank account of the Keyi Panyor Deputy Commissioner at Yachuli for immediate utilisation in relief and rehabilitation measures. The organisers said the response reflected the spirit of unity, resilience and collective responsibility shown by the people during times of crisis. They said that as individuals striving to rebuild their own lives, members of Recovering Warriors felt a strong responsibility to support families struggling to recover from the devastation caused by the floods. The organisers added that the entire amount collected through the two initiatives would be utilised to provide essential assistance to flood-affected families in Keyi Panyor district.    

BOMDILA : West Kameng Deputy Commissioner Dr Dilip Kumar on Friday reviewed the progress of 12 ongoing development projects being implemented across the district under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK) and the Buddhist Development Plan (BDP). At a meeting held in the Deputy Commissioner’s chamber, the financial and physical progress of the projects was assessed. The executing departments were directed to ensure timely completion of the works while maintaining quality standards. Earlier, the Deputy Commissioner also chaired a meeting of the District Task Force (DTF) on the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) programme for 2026-27. He urged all departments to coordinate with the Forest and Panchayati Raj departments for plantation activities and encouraged line departments to adopt innovative approaches to make the implementation of the scheme more effective. Dr Kumar also advised all departments to route official information and reports on government programmes through the District Information and Public Relations Office (DIPRO) for wider dissemination. Highlighting the need for innovation, he asked the Police Department to expand initiatives such as the Choo-Man-Tar mobile application, developed by West Kameng Police with support under the BBBP scheme. The application educates children on good touch and bad touch through interactive games. Deputy Director of Women and Child Development R.T. Deru made a presentation outlining the roles and responsibilities of various line departments in implementing the BBBP programme. In-charge District Information and Public Relations Officer Lobom Tamin urged departments to keep the DIPRO office informed of all BBBP-related official events to facilitate proper media coverage. The meeting unanimously approved the Annual Action Plan for the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao programme for 2026-27.