ONLINE AGE

(Online version of the Arunachal Age newspaper)

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Guv stresses reforms to improve higher education standards

ITANAGAR : Education Minister PD Sona, accompanied by Education Commissioner Amjad Tak, called on Governor Lt Gen KT Parnaik (Retd) at Lok Bhavan on Tuesday and reviewed the overall educational scenario in the state, with particular focus on strengthening institutions of higher learning. The meeting included detailed discussions on improving academic, administrative and infrastructural standards at Jarbom Gamlin Government Law College (JGGLC), Jote. The Governor emphasised the need to address existing challenges through timely corrective measures and accelerated infrastructure development. Referring to his recent observations, he said the state’s only government law college carries a special responsibility and should be developed into a model institution for legal education. He expressed confidence that a strong and vibrant law college would produce competent legal professionals capable of making meaningful contributions to the state’s judicial system, governance and the rule of law. Sona assured the Governor that the department has already initiated corrective measures to address the issues concerning JGGLC. The Governor also expressed concern over issues affecting the North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology (NERIST) and underscored the need for sustained efforts to strengthen the institution. He further advised the Education Department to explore the establishment of Common University Entrance Test (CUET) examination centres within Arunachal Pradesh to provide greater convenience and equal opportunities to students. Appreciating the department’s reform initiatives, the Governor commended the Education Minister for implementing the rationalised teacher transfer system through the Teachers’ Registry Portal. He said the initiative would promote transparency, accountability and equitable deployment of teachers across the state, ultimately strengthening the education system and improving learning outcomes.  

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Fresh rainfall triggers floods, landslides in several Arunachal districts

ITANAGAR : Fresh spells of heavy rain triggered flash floods and landslides in several districts of Arunachal Pradesh, where more than 94,000 people in 26 districts have been affected so far during the ongoing monsoon season, officials said on Tuesday. According to a report from the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) here, Changlang district experienced heavy rainfall, a landslide and flooding, while Upper Subansiri recorded two flood incidents and three landslides, and Upper Siang witnessed 16 landslides in the past 24 hours. A rockfall incident due to incessant rain was also reported from East Kameng. Four people have died, 21 others suffered injuries and two women went missing in the recent wave of floods in the northeastern state, it said. One person died in a landslide at Sarti village in Anjaw district on June 28, and three other deaths occurred in a flash flood that struck Possa in Keyi Panyor district, the officials said. Rescue and relief efforts are continuing in the affected districts. The report said 94,201 people have been impacted across 333 villages in 237 circles spread over 26 districts. Upper Siang continues to account for the highest number of affected people, followed by Siang and Kra Daadi. The floods and landslides have caused extensive damage to agriculture and public infrastructure. A total of 334.2 hectares of crop area has been affected, including 185.5 hectares under horticulture and 148.7 hectares under agriculture, while 1,010 hectares of forest area have also been impacted, the report said. Infrastructure losses have mounted with damage reported to 131 roads, 19 bridges, 21 culverts, 191 water supply systems, 58 government buildings, 21 power lines, 224 electric poles, four hydel projects, seven flood protection walls, two hospitals and three schools, it said. Hundreds of houses have also been damaged in different parts of the state. Two relief camps continue to operate in Keyi Panyor, where 252 people are currently taking shelter, according to the report. Teams of the NDRF, SDRF, Army, Air Force and state agencies have been deployed to assist the rescue and relief operations. (Source: PTI)  

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IYC opposes naming of Naharlagun road after Syama Prasad Mookerjee

ITANAGAR : The Indian Youth Congress (IYC) on Tuesday criticised the BJP government in Arunachal Pradesh for naming a new road from Damsite to Model Village in Naharlagun after Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee, alleging that public infrastructure should not be used to promote political or ideological symbolism. In a statement, IYC national general secretary Tarh Johny said the road was built with taxpayers’ money and should reflect the collective identity, history and aspirations of the people of the state rather than commemorate personalities associated with a particular political ideology. He alleged that the state government had overlooked the contributions of several eminent personalities from Arunachal Pradesh while choosing to honour a leader from outside the state. Johny said Arunachal has produced several distinguished freedom fighters, nation builders, educationists and social reformers whose contributions deserve public recognition. He named leaders such as Moje Riba, Matmur Jamoh, Dr Bengia Tolum, Talom Rukbo, Gegong Apang, Dorjee Khandu and Kalikho Pul as personalities who had played significant roles in shaping the state’s history and development. The Youth Congress leader also claimed that at a time when the state faces issues such as unemployment, inadequate healthcare facilities, poor educational infrastructure and deteriorating rural roads, the government should focus on addressing these challenges instead of engaging in what he termed symbolic politics. He urged the state government to formulate a transparent and consultative policy for naming public infrastructure, with the involvement of historians, indigenous organisations, civil society groups, public representatives and local communities. (Source: PTI)  

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AHV&DD presents dairy, poultry roadmap to DCM; pushes for infra support

ITANAGAR :  With the state government stepping up efforts to reduce dependence on imported dairy products and achieve self-sufficiency in livestock production, the Department of Animal Husbandry, Veterinary & Dairy Development (AHV&DD) on Tuesday presented a comprehensive roadmap for the dairy and poultry sectors before Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein. The presentation, led by Animal Husbandry, Veterinary & Dairy Development Minister Gabriel D Wangsu, reviewed the department’s performance, key challenges, recommendations of the High-Level Task Force (HTF) and a strategic action plan aimed at strengthening dairy and poultry production in the state. The department described the dairy sector as requiring urgent infrastructure support and outlined progress made towards production targets. It presented data on milk production, revenue generation and future projections, while highlighting the growing demand for milk, including from paramilitary forces stationed across Arunachal Pradesh. Officials identified the absence of an integrated cold chain network as one of the major bottlenecks affecting dairy development. They stressed the need for milk collection and chilling centres, transportation vehicles, distribution networks and other supporting infrastructure to ensure efficient procurement and supply. The department also informed the meeting that strategic planning, institutional support and proposed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with dairy cooperatives could significantly accelerate progress towards self-sufficiency. The presentation also underscored the department’s continued emphasis on animal health and disease prevention. Officials informed the meeting that Arunachal Pradesh has recorded one of the country’s highest livestock vaccination coverages, reflecting sustained efforts to strengthen animal healthcare alongside production. Addressing the meeting, Mein called for a critical review of previous initiatives that failed to produce the desired results. “We need to find out the reasons for our failures,” he said, while recalling several past efforts that did not achieve lasting success. Stressing the need for a practical and sustainable approach, he urged the department to develop a robust model capable of making Arunachal Pradesh self-sufficient in dairy production. He also assured the department that its proposals would receive the highest priority from the state government. Speaking on the occasion, Wangsu said the department was committed to delivering measurable outcomes through scientific planning and effective implementation. He observed that despite the state’s vast potential, inadequate planning and the absence of a clear long-term strategy had constrained growth in the dairy and poultry sectors. He said the department is now pursuing a result-oriented approach focused on infrastructure development, institutional partnerships and efficient implementation to unlock the sector’s potential and reduce the state’s dependence on imported dairy products. The meeting was attended by AHV&DD Secretary YVVJ Rajshekhar, Director Dr Danjan Longri, Planning & Investment Advisor RK Sharma and other senior officers of the AHV&DD and Planning & Investment Department.    

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Tasing distributes appointment letters to DDU-GKY 2.0 trained rural youth

ITANAGAR : Rural Development & Panchayati Raj Minister Ojing Tasing on Tuesday distributed appointment letters to candidates who successfully completed skill training under the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) 2.0, marking another step towards enhancing employment opportunities for rural youth in the state. The candidates underwent a three-month skill development programme implemented by the Arunachal State Rural Livelihoods Mission (ArSRLM) under the Department of Rural Development. The training was conducted by empanelled Project Implementing Agencies (PIAs) in various trades, including Airport Terminal Operations, Tourism and Hospitality, Food and Beverage, and Fashion Designing. The participating agencies included Flywing Simulator Training Center Limited, SHEEP Society, Youth Education Development Society, Spurthi Rural Development, Nurture Employability and Economic Development Society, and Topu Bui Multipurpose Welfare Society. Following successful completion of the programme, all the trainees secured employment and received appointment letters. They are expected to join their respective employers at locations across the country, including Itanagar, Naharlagun, Karnataka, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Pune, Goa and Jaipur. The selected candidates will receive annual cost-to-company (CTC) packages ranging from ₹1.5 lakh to ₹3.36 lakh, depending on their job profiles and employers. Congratulating the candidates, Minister Tasing urged them to discharge their responsibilities with sincerity, dedication and professionalism. He also appreciated the efforts of ArSRLM, the Project Implementing Agencies, training partners and employers for facilitating skill development and employment opportunities for rural youth. Expressing their gratitude, the candidates thanked ArSRLM for providing quality training and placement support, stating that the initiative had enabled them to secure meaningful employment and build a better future. DDU-GKY 2.0 is a flagship skill development programme of the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, aimed at providing demand-driven training and assured placement opportunities to rural youth.    

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APWWS submits governance reform proposals to APARC

ITANAGAR : The All Arunachal Pradesh Women’s Welfare Society (APWWS) on Tuesday submitted a comprehensive set of recommendations to the Arunachal Pradesh Administrative Reforms Commission (APARC), advocating measures to strengthen governance, improve public service delivery and modernise the state’s administrative system. The memorandum was submitted to APARC Chairman Pramod Jain during a meeting held in Itanagar. Among its major recommendations, APWWS called for a transparent, merit-based and professionally managed recruitment system. It observed that recruitment is a specialised function requiring expertise in talent assessment, competency mapping and behavioural evaluation, and recommended greater involvement of trained human resource professionals in the selection process. The organisation also proposed a mandatory district immersion programme for newly recruited Group ‘A’ and Group ‘B’ officers, under which they would spend 30 to 60 days living and working in remote villages and border areas before taking up regular assignments to better understand local realities and developmental challenges. To improve workforce management, APWWS recommended replacing the traditional post-based staffing system with workload-based manpower planning. It also suggested constituting departmental committees, including women representatives, to periodically review staffing requirements. Among other proposals was the creation of a real-time digital human resource dashboard covering sanctioned posts, vacancies, promotions, transfers and training, cross-functional training for officers to address manpower shortages, and the introduction of outcome-based Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) linked to service delivery, grievance redressal, innovation and citizen satisfaction. The organisation further recommended establishing a structured leadership and mentorship programme involving retired and experienced civil servants, introducing a digital ‘Competency Passport’ for every government employee, institutionalising a comprehensive review of personnel administration every five years, and adopting a ‘One Government, One Citizen Interface’ model to provide multiple public services through a single integrated digital platform. APWWS also urged the government to shift from expenditure-based assessment to outcome-based governance by requiring departments to publish annual targets and measurable performance indicators while promoting proactive disclosure of information to strengthen transparency and reduce dependence on applications under the Right to Information (RTI) Act. During the interaction, APWWS President Jarjum Ete also raised concerns over disparities in school education following the closure of several government schools, stating that many students in rural areas are now compelled to travel long distances to attend classes. She also highlighted the need for effective implementation of the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, stating that proper enforcement could serve as a deterrent against polygamy among government employees. Responding to the memorandum, APARC Chairman Pramod Jain assured the delegation that the Commission would examine the recommendations and take up the matter with the government. The meeting was attended by APARC Under Secretary Omey Apang. The APWWS delegation included General Secretary Samnem Ngemu Lego, Assistant General Secretary Dojum Mara and Health Coordinator Dagrik Gara.  

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Man found hanging from tree near DC office complex in Aalo

ITANAGAR : A 21-year-old man was found hanging from a banyan tree near the deputy commissioner’s office complex at Aalo in Arunachal Pradesh’s West Siang district on Tuesday, police said. The deceased was identified as Nitish Kumar Ram, West Siang Superintendent of Police Kardak Riba said. Ram was found hanging from a banyan tree near the DC office complex here at around 7.50 am this morning. The SP said a suicide note, a handset, and a Bluetooth device were recovered from his body. Police said the deceased was suffering from depression and anxiety. In his suicide note, Ram expressed sorry to his family for not being a good son. He also wrote to his parents to ask them to pardon him for not being good at his studies. The SP said a magisterial inquest has been done and the body has been kept in the mortuary. As the CCTV footage from the nearby government establishment is clear that the deceased died by suicide, no case has been registered, and no foul play is suspected, the SP said. (Source: PTI)    

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Genome study charts roadmap to safeguard Arunachal’s iconic Siangmi mithun

ITANAGAR : In a first for one of Northeast India’s most culturally treasured animals, scientists from ICAR–National Research Centre on Mithun have completed the first whole-genome study of Arunachal Pradesh’s semi-domesticated mithun, providing a scientific foundation for the conservation and genetic improvement of the iconic bovine. The researchers sequenced the complete genomes of 11 mithuns from five villages in East Siang and Lepa Rada districts, identifying nearly five million high-quality genetic markers. The findings have been published in the high impact factor scientific journal, International Journal of Molecular Sciences. Scientists are now working toward a fuller characterisation of this distinct regional population, known as the Siangmi mithun (estimated at 15,000-20,000 animals), whose genetic signature reflects the long history and geographic isolation of the Siang communities that have reared these animals for centuries. The breed registration of this mithun population is pending after the team has characterized and registered world’s first mithun breed Nagami with ICAR – NBAGR, Karnal. Researchers found that the Siang mithun retains moderate genetic diversity with no evidence of recent inbreeding, but ancient inbreeding with moderation, indicating healthy genetic status despite centuries of geographical isolation. Scientists said the genome data would support conservation planning, selective breeding, pedigree management and the exchange of breeding bulls among villages to further strengthen the population. India has around 3.84 lakh mithuns, nearly 70 per cent of them in Arunachal Pradesh, where the animal holds immense cultural, economic and social significance for indigenous communities. (Source: UNI)      

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Community plantation drive

ZIRO : The Office of the Deputy Registrar of Cooperative Societies (DRCS) organised a community plantation drive in Ziro Valley to mark the conclusion of Cooperative Week, observed from June 29 to July 6, and to welcome the forthcoming Sahakarita Utsav. Held under the theme ‘Roots of Cooperation: Green Action for a Sustainable Future’, the initiative brought together cooperative members, local residents and volunteers to plant native tree saplings, highlighting the importance of environmental conservation through collective action. The programme was led by Lower Subansiri Deputy Registrar of Cooperative Societies Hage Komo and Assistant Registrar of Cooperative Societies Dani Yamang. Addressing the participants, they emphasised that the long-term ecological benefits of the plantation drive reflected the cooperative movement’s vision of steady, sustainable growth and community development. The event concluded with a ‘Cooperative Green Pledge’, under which participants committed themselves to nurturing the saplings and promoting environmental stewardship beyond the plantation drive. The office also announced that attention will now shift to the upcoming Sahakarita Utsav, which will showcase the achievements of local cooperatives and the region’s cultural heritage through a series of community-focused programmes and forums. (DIPR)

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Drive against SUPs

TAWANG : In a sustained effort to make Tawang cleaner, greener and plastic-free, the district administration on Tuesday conducted a surprise inspection at Nehru Market, New Market and Medical Colony to enforce the ban on single-use plastics and plastic drinking water bottles with a capacity of less than two litres. The inspection was led by Tawang Assistant Commissioner-cum-Town Magistrate Nawang Thutan, accompanied by Er Phurpa Lamu and officials of the Department of Urban Affairs. During the drive, shops and commercial establishments were inspected to verify compliance with the district administration’s order prohibiting the sale, storage and use of banned plastic items. The inspection team also sensitised shopkeepers and other stakeholders about the harmful environmental impact of single-use plastics, particularly in the fragile Himalayan ecosystem, and urged them to switch to sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives. Officials reiterated that strict compliance with the ban is mandatory and warned that violations would attract action under the relevant rules and regulations. The drive also served as an awareness campaign, encouraging traders and residents to actively support the district’s efforts to reduce plastic pollution. Reaffirming its commitment to environmental protection, the district administration said such surprise inspections would continue regularly across the district to ensure effective implementation of the ban. It appealed to citizens, traders and visitors to cooperate by avoiding single-use plastics and adopting environmentally sustainable alternatives. The administration expressed confidence that sustained public participation and collective responsibility would help transform Tawang into a model district for environmental conservation and responsible waste management. (DIPR)