ONLINE AGE

(Online version of the Arunachal Age newspaper)

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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)

REGIONAL

Nagaland to convene special assembly session for FNTA law, CM to visit Delhi for consulting Centre

KOHIMA : The Nagaland cabinet decided to convene a special session of the assembly to enact a law for the proposed Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA), while seeking the Centre’s approval for conferring legislative powers on the body. The cabinet, which held an emergency meeting with members of the Eastern Nagaland Legislators’ Union (ENLU) and senior officials on Monday, also resolved to urge the Centre to enhance the proposed development package for the region from Rs 5,000 crore to Rs 10,000 crore. The decisions were announced in a statement issued by the Home Department amid concern over delays in implementing the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) signed on February 5 among the Centre, the Nagaland government and the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) for creation of the FNTA. The decisions were taken as the ENPO announced a public rally and shutdown in the eastern districts on July 10 over the delay in the implementation of the accord. The government said the proposed legislation would incorporate provisions to confer legislative powers on the FNTA over transferred subjects and departments in the districts under its jurisdiction, subject to consultation with and approval of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and in conformity with the Constitution. It said the state had earlier drafted and introduced the FNTA Bill during the Budget session, but its passage was deferred after the MHA informed the government that constitutional issues relating to granting legislative powers to the authority were still under examination. The cabinet also reiterated that the safeguards under Article 371(A) were “sacred and sacrosanct” and would not be diluted or altered. A delegation led by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, along with ENLU members, will visit New Delhi to seek the Centre’s advice, approval and guidance on the matter, the statement said. The government also appealed to the ENPO to reconsider its proposed public rally and shutdown in the eastern districts on July 10 in view of the steps being taken to establish the FNTA. (Source: PTI)  

REGIONAL

Manipur DGP asks police officers to strengthen anti-extortion activities

IMPHAL : Manipur DGP Mukesh Singh on Tuesday directed police officers to step up action against extortion activities and ensure speedy investigation and disposal of pending cases, a police statement said. Singh issued the directions during a visit to the Noney District Police Headquarters, where he reviewed the law and order situation, crime scenario and operational preparedness. “During the review, the DGP emphasised maintaining law and order, strengthening anti-extortion operations, and ensuring prompt investigation and disposal of pending cases through quality investigation. He urged officers to remain proactive in curbing extortion activities,” the statement said. The DGP also visited the CRPF camp at Lamdangmei in the hill district to assess the security situation in fringe areas and chaired a coordination meeting with commanding officers of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) deployed in the district. “Special emphasis was laid on ensuring adequate security for the movement of essential commodities along NH-37 (Imphal-Jiribam),” it said. Later, Singh interacted with civil society leaders of Noney, assured full cooperation from the district police and appealed for continued public support in maintaining law and order and fostering lasting peace, the statement added. (Source: PTI)    

REGIONAL

Protesters in Imphal demand special Assembly session, scrapping of SoO pact

IMPHAL : Hundreds of demonstrators on Tuesday staged a protest here demanding that the Manipur government convene a special session of the Assembly to discuss measures for restoring peace and abrogate the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki militant groups. The protest was jointly organised by the Naga People’s Union Imphal, Imphal Naga Business Association, Imagi Meira and several other organisations, with participation from members of the Naga and Meitei communities. Addressing the gathering, Kshetrimayum Shanti, a women leader from Khwairamband market, said the joint participation of hill and valley communities in the protest was a positive step towards restoring peace. “The conflict cannot be resolved unless the SoO agreement with Kuki militant groups is withdrawn,” she said. Claiming that several rallies had been held and memorandums submitted to the authorities, Shanti alleged that the government had failed to respond adequately. The demonstrators also urged the state and central governments to take immediate steps to restore lasting peace and fulfil their responsibilities toward the people of the state. (Source: PTI)    

REGIONAL

Tripura CM demands raising cap of externally aided projects to Rs 10,000 cr

AGARTALA : Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Tuesday pitched for increasing the annual cap on externally aided projects from Rs 4,000 crore to Rs 10,000 crore, saying the existing limit hampers the execution of large infrastructure projects in small states. The chief minister said the Centre has fixed a maximum limit of Rs 4,000 crore per annum for externally aided projects in Tripura, which often falls short for undertaking mega development works. Addressing a government programme at Bardowali, Saha said development activities have gathered pace under the “double-engine government” to meet people’s expectations. “Massive infrastructure building is taking place in the northeastern state over the past few years, from implementation of the Smart City Mission to the Lighthouse project, strengthening the power sector and beautification of urban amenities,” he said. “I have categorically demanded an increase in the maximum cap for externally aided projects from Rs 4,000 crore to Rs 10,000 crore in the presence of Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during the last NEC plenary session in Shillong. I hope the Centre will consider our legitimate demand for development,” he said. Saha said he had inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of development projects worth Rs 1,500 crore in the past year to accelerate infrastructure creation. The state has rejuvenated water bodies in Agartala for Rs 137 crore and spent Rs 581 crore under the Smart City Mission to improve civic amenities, he said. Claiming that investors and entrepreneurs are showing keen interest in Tripura, the CM said projects worth Rs 8,000 crore out of investment proposals valued at Rs 15,000 crore received during last year’s investment summit have already been grounded. He said the state has set a target of attracting MoUs worth Rs 1 lakh crore during the ‘Destination Tripura: Business Conclave 2026’, scheduled to be held on July 9 and 10 at the International Fair Ground in Hapania in West Tripura district. (Source: PTI)