Author name: OnlineAge

ITANAGAR : Arunachal Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Pawan Kumar Sain on Friday reviewed preparations for the upcoming biennial election to the Rajya Sabha and directed officials to ensure all arrangements are in place for a smooth, transparent and efficient electoral process. Chairing a coordination meeting at Nirvachan Bhawan here, with officials of the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly, Information and Public Relations (IPR) department, Sain outlined the election schedule and key responsibilities of various departments, an official statement said. He said that polling for the lone Rajya Sabha seat from the state will be held on June 18 and the election process will be completed by June 20. The CEO said the election is being conducted as the term of one Rajya Sabha member representing Arunachal Pradesh is due to expire on June 23. Sain said that the notification for the election will be issued on June 1, while the last date for filing nominations is June 8. Scrutiny of nominations will take place on June 9 and candidates can withdraw their nominations till June 11. Polling will be conducted from 9 am to 4 pm on June 18, followed by counting of votes at 5 pm on the same day, he said. Sain said that the secretary of the Legislative Assembly has been appointed as the Returning Officer and the Deputy Secretary as the Assistant Returning Officer. The relevant notifications will be published in the Extraordinary Gazette of the state on June 1. During the meeting, officials finalised a series of measures to ensure the smooth conduct of the election. The Returning Officer was directed to ensure proper maintenance of the electoral college list, make arrangements for polling and counting personnel, and coordinate logistics, accommodation and security for election observers. The CEO also reviewed arrangements for ballot boxes, printing of ballot papers, voting compartments and custody of election materials. Officials were told that only prescribed violet sketch pens supplied by the Returning Officer would be used for marking preferences on ballot papers. To ensure officials are fully prepared, the CEO’s office will organise a training programme for the Returning Officer, Assistant Returning Officer and polling and counting personnel on June 5. A mock drill at the state Legislative Assembly will also be conducted to familiarise polling teams with election-day procedures. As part of measures to enhance transparency, live webcasting of the polling process will be carried out, and video footage of the proceedings will be submitted to the Election Commission within the prescribed timeline. The meeting further decided that the IPR Department would coordinate publicity related to candidates’ criminal antecedents and political parties, while Doordarshan Kendra would assist in disseminating election-related information and publicity in accordance with Election Commission guidelines. The Returning Officer will also coordinate with police authorities to ensure adequate security arrangements at polling and counting venues. The meeting was attended by Joint Chief Electoral Officer Liken Koyu, Deputy Chief Electoral Officer Shania Kayem Mize and officials from the Legislative Assembly, IPR Department and Doordarshan Kendra. During the interaction, Sain also briefed participants on the ongoing Special Intensive Revision of Electoral Rolls aimed at including all eligible voters while removing ineligible entries from the rolls. He described the IPR department, Doordarshan and All India Radio as key partners in promoting transparency, voter awareness and public confidence in the electoral process and urged them to designate nodal officers for effective coordination with the CEO’s office. (Source: PTI)  

ITANAGAR : NCW chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar on Friday urged greater awareness, sensitivity, and coordinated action among stakeholders to strengthen women’s safety and access to justice in Arunachal Pradesh. Addressing a two-day awareness and training programme for protection officers, one-stop centre (OSC) personnel, counsellors, and other officials here, Rahatkar said many women continue to suffer in silence due to social pressure, financial dependency and lack of awareness about their rights. “Incidents of domestic violence often remain hidden within homes, making the role of protection officers and support systems even more critical,” she said, stressing that frontline institutions must be equipped to provide timely support and relief. The National Commission for Women (NCW) chief underlined the importance of legal literacy for officials engaged in women-centric services, and urged comprehensive knowledge of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, the POCSO Act and other related laws. “Without adequate understanding of these laws, it will be difficult to provide effective relief and justice to women in distress,” she said. Pointing to the geographical challenges of the state, the NCW chief said Arunachal Pradesh’s remote and hilly terrain requires stronger institutional mechanisms and better-trained personnel so that women in every corner of the state can access justice and support services. Describing the training as more than a formal event, she said it aimed to strengthen the capacity, knowledge and effectiveness of OSCs, protection officers and associated departments. She called for stronger coordination among the women and child development department, state commission for women, police, legal services authorities, district administrations and all related institutions to ensure a comprehensive and timely response to women in crisis. Rahatkar stressed the need for an improved crisis response mechanism, warning that delays in handling cases can lead to severe consequences. She encouraged the sharing of practical experiences and best practices among officials and suggested forming dedicated communication groups for counsellors, case workers, medical support staff and protection officers to facilitate better coordination and learning. Reaffirming the commitment of the state women’s commission towards safety, protection, rehabilitation and empowerment of women, she urged institutions to become more sensitive, responsive and accountable so that survivors can approach the justice system with confidence. The programme, organised by the Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Women in collaboration with the NCW, covered legal provisions, protection mechanisms, mental health and inter-departmental coordination. Technical sessions included a presentation by Yakang Nani, State Mission Coordinator, SHEW, WCD department, on OSC objectives, functions and responsibilities. APSCW counsellor Dr Leeyir Ete spoke on mental health and the importance of counselling support, while additional SP and SDPO Naharlagun Rishi Longdo highlighted the role of police in supporting survivors and coordinating with OSCs. Techi Nech, panel advocate of Arunachal Pradesh State Legal Services Authority, elaborated on legal aspects, including domestic violence and the POCSO Act. Dr Pallavi Boro, associate professor, conducted a session on reproductive health and menstrual hygiene. The two-day programme concluded with active participation from stakeholders, officials and OSC personnel, reaffirming collective commitment towards women’s safety and welfare in the state. (Source: DIPR/PTI)    

The three-day Golden Jubilee Celebration commemorating 50 years of the Arunachal Pradesh State Transport Services (APSTS) began at Khonsa on Friday with enthusiastic public participation and renewed focus on the future of public transportation in the state. The celebrations mark a historic milestone in the journey of APSTS, which started operations from Khonsa in 1975 with just two buses and has since evolved into a major transport lifeline connecting remote parts of Arunachal Pradesh and neighbouring states. As part of the celebrations, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein flagged off the state’s first Restaurant Bus, a Road Safety Awareness Bus and a new fleet of luxury buses at Khonsa. The inaugural programme was later held at Nehru Stadium, Khonsa, in the presence of senior officials, APSTS officers, former employees, public leaders and members of the public. The programme began with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp, followed by the APSTS anthem and a welcome address by Transport Commissioner Saugat Biswas. A documentary showcasing the journey and achievements of APSTS over the last five decades was screened during the event, while traditional Ollo, Tutsa and Nocte folk dances added cultural vibrancy to the celebration. Addressing the gathering, Mein congratulated former and present officials, employees and stakeholders for their contributions towards the growth of APSTS over the past 50 years. Recalling his personal experiences of travelling in APSTS buses, Mein described the department as a crucial institution that transformed connectivity and socio-economic development across Arunachal Pradesh. He said APSTS has grown “from a small seed into a large tree” and added that the department’s history is closely linked with the developmental journey of the state itself. The Deputy Chief Minister also lauded the department’s adoption of modern technologies, including GPS tracking systems, panic buttons, CCTV cameras, air-conditioned coaches and electric buses, stating that these initiatives reflect APSTS’s commitment towards passenger safety, innovation and improved travel experience. Assuring continued government support, Mein said efforts would also be made to improve and widen township roads in Khonsa for safer and more efficient transportation. In his address, Transport Minister Ojing Tasing paid tribute to the pioneers, former employees, drivers, conductors, mechanics and officers whose dedication helped transform APSTS from a modest service into one of the state’s most important public service institutions. He said the Golden Jubilee celebration was not merely a commemoration of 50 years of service but also a tribute to generations of employees who worked under difficult conditions to connect remote communities across the state. Tasing further stated that Khonsa was deliberately chosen as the venue for the Golden Jubilee celebrations to honour the birthplace of APSTS and acknowledge its humble beginnings. Highlighting ongoing modernisation initiatives, the minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment towards strengthening public transportation and improving connectivity across Arunachal Pradesh. He also assured further development of transport infrastructure in Khonsa. Education and Tourism Minister Pasang Dorjee Sona emphasised the importance of transportation in economic development and proposed establishment of a “Golden Jubilee Bus Station” in Khonsa as a lasting tribute to the occasion. Local legislators Wanglin Lowangdong, Wanglam Sawin and Thangwang Wangham also addressed the gathering and stressed the need for improved road infrastructure to accelerate development and connectivity in the region. A commemorative Golden Jubilee calendar was released during the programme. Former APSTS officers and staff members were also felicitated in recognition of their dedicated service and contribution to the department. Among those honoured were former APSTS General Manager Tapi Bagra, first APSTS conductor K C Choudhary, Bomdila Night Chowkidar Tsering Norbu, driver Gobom Siram and Store Inspector Sashi Kumar G. The vote of thanks was delivered by APSTS General Manager Mito Dirchi, who expressed gratitude to all dignitaries, guests and members of the public for making the inaugural day of the celebration a success. The evening cultural programme featured performances by local artists, rehabilitation centre inmates, Tangsa Cultural Troupe and singers David Arangham and Baby Mossang. The Golden Jubilee celebrations will continue till May 31 with workshops, exhibitions, cultural programmes and public engagement activities highlighting the legacy and future vision of APSTS.