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ITANAGAR : A fire triggered by a suspected electrical short circuit destroyed eight houses and left several families homeless here shortly after midnight on Thursday, officials said. Although no casualties were reported, the blaze reduced residential and rental property at Pappu Nallah area to ashes and caused losses worth lakhs of rupees. The fire broke out at Puroik Colony around 12.20 am, following which three fire tenders and 11 firefighters were deployed to the spot. After an operation lasting over three hours, the flames were brought under control, preventing further spread to adjoining structures, officials added. Officials said preliminary findings indicate that the blaze may have originated from an electrical short circuit in a rented house, based on the tenant’s statement. The exact cause, however, will be established after completion of the investigation. Officials said the first fire tender reached the site within minutes of receiving the distress call, while two additional tenders joined the operation. Later in the day, Itanagar MLA Techi Kaso, accompanied by officials of the Itanagar Capital Region district administration and the Ward No 13 corporator, visited the fire-ravaged locality to assess the damage. Immediate relief was extended to the affected families and tenants, while the MLA instructed the district administration to undertake a detailed assessment of the losses to facilitate compensation for eligible victims under the prescribed government norms. (Source: PTI)

ITANAGAR : The state-level Jan Sammelan-cum-launch of the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin), popularly known as VB-G RAM G, was held at Tigdo village under the Doimukh Community Development Block in Papum Pare district on Thursday. Organised by the Arunachal Pradesh Rural Development Department in collaboration with the Papum Pare District Rural Development Agency, the programme was held simultaneously with the national launch at Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh, where Union Rural Development and Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan formally launched the mission. In Arunachal Pradesh, the programme was inaugurated by Rural Development Minister’s Advisor Taniya Soki in the presence of Papum Pare Zilla Parishad Chairperson Bamang Yayu, Papum Pare Deputy Commissioner Lobsang Tsering and senior Rural Development Department officials. The event witnessed the participation of Panchayati Raj Institution representatives, beneficiaries, departmental officials and members of the public. The programme began with a welcome address by Papum Pare Deputy Director (Rural Development) Bengia Yakar. Speaking on the occasion, Joint Director (Rural Employment) Chera Sanjiv outlined the key features of the new mission and announced that the wage rate under the scheme has been increased to ₹300 per day. He said the scheme guarantees 125 days of wage employment to eligible rural households, replacing the earlier 100-day employment guarantee under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). Addressing the gathering, Papum Pare DC Lobsang Tsering stressed the need to prioritise demand-driven works and assets that enhance livelihood opportunities, strengthen rural infrastructure, create durable community assets and promote economic empowerment. He urged Panchayati Raj Institution leaders, self-help groups, village communities and district and block officials to work collectively for the effective implementation of the mission. Papum Pare Zilla Parishad Chairperson Bamang Yayu called upon officials to provide continuous guidance and support to Panchayati Raj representatives in implementing government schemes, including VB-G RAM G. She said the programme would not only generate employment but also contribute to the creation of durable assets and improve the quality of life in rural areas. In his address, Taniya Soki explained that VB-G RAM G marks the transition from MGNREGA in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. He elaborated on the categories of works that can be undertaken under the scheme and highlighted the government’s emphasis on transparency and accountability through technology-driven implementation. While acknowledging that initial challenges may arise during the transition, he said the reforms would ultimately benefit genuinely needy rural households. The programme concluded with the commencement of a new work under the VB-G RAM G mission at Tigdo village.  

ITANAGAR : Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Thursday said the Ramakrishna Mission will soon establish two institutes of higher education in the state to expand access to quality higher education and promote value-based learning. The institutes will be set up at Aalo in West Siang district and at Narottam Nagar in Tirap district. In a post on X after meeting a delegation of the Ramakrishna Mission, Khandu said the proposed institutions would mark a major step towards strengthening the state’s higher education sector. “We had a fruitful discussion with a delegation from the Ramakrishna Mission led by Revered Swami Bodhasarananda Ji. The meeting focused on the establishment of Institutes of Higher Education at Aalo and Narottam Nagar, which will mark a significant step towards expanding quality higher education opportunities in Arunachal Pradesh,” he said in the post. Swami Bodhasarananda is the assistant general secretary of the Ramakrishna Mission. Khandu said the Mission has earned immense respect for its decades-long contribution to education and social service in Arunachal Pradesh, and expressed confidence that the new institutions would further enhance the state’s academic landscape. He said that the state government remains committed to strengthening educational infrastructure and partnering with reputed institutions to create better opportunities for students. Khandu added that the proposed institutes would help nurture skilled and socially responsible young citizens while providing quality higher education within the state. (Source: PTI)    

PASIGHAT : Guardian Minister Nyato Dukam on Thursday reviewed the developmental progress of various departments in East Siang district and called for greater coordination, accountability and teamwork to ensure effective governance and improved public service delivery. Chairing the District Review Meeting at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall here, Dukam also reviewed the implementation of government programmes and projects and discussed challenges affecting their execution across the district. Addressing the meeting, the minister said that while the creation of social and physical infrastructure is essential, equal importance must be given to its maintenance to ensure sustainable development. “Development is meaningful only when the assets created are maintained for the benefit of future generations,” he said. Observing that challenges are inevitable in governance, Dukam said public officials have been entrusted with the responsibility of resolving them and urged all officers to discharge their duties with sincerity, accountability and a strong sense of responsibility. Expressing concern over the growing drug menace among the youth, he called for coordinated efforts by all stakeholders to tackle the problem effectively. He also stressed the need for efficient revenue collection, saying it is crucial for the smooth functioning and development of both the state and the nation. Referring to Arunachal Pradesh as being in a phase of rapid transformation, Dukam said developmental activities should not be hindered by vested interests. He directed the district administration to take firm measures to safeguard government land and prevent encroachment by exercising the powers vested in it. The minister further said that Panchayati Raj Institutions have been vested with significant powers and urged elected representatives to utilise them effectively for the welfare and development of society. He called upon all stakeholders to remain proactive in fulfilling their responsibilities to secure a better future for coming generations. Earlier, East Siang Deputy Commissioner Sonalika Jiwani gave a detailed presentation on the district’s developmental achievements, ongoing projects and departmental performance. During the meeting, Pasighat East MLA Tapi Darang and Mebo MLA Oken Tayeng highlighted key issues affecting the district, including the shortage of subject teachers in schools, waste management, land encroachment and the need for adequate funds to restore public infrastructure damaged in the recent floods. Dukam also interacted with heads of departments, reviewed their performance and addressed issues raised during the meeting. Among others, Pasighat Municipal Council Chief Councillor Tagom Padung, East Siang Superintendent of Police Pankaj Lamba, Additional Deputy Commissioner (In-charge) Pebika Lego, Mebo Additional Deputy Commissioner Nancy Yirang, Ruksin Additional Deputy Commissioner Kiran Ningo, heads of departments and other district officials attended the meeting.    

ZIRO : The first edition of Apatani Fashion Week and Apatani’s Next Top Model 2026 got underway at the Siilang Diting Dree Festival Ground in Hija village of Lower Subansiri district on Wednesday, celebrating Apatani heritage, indigenous fashion and creative entrepreneurship. Organised by the Siilang Diting Dree Festival Organising Committee, the two-day event seeks to preserve indigenous traditions while creating opportunities for designers, weavers, artisans, models and creative entrepreneurs. The initiative aims to promote sustainable fashion, indigenous craftsmanship and cultural tourism while positioning Arunachal Pradesh as an emerging hub for indigenous fashion. The event is being presented through a collaboration involving Arunachal Fashion Week, Arunachal’s Next Top Model, the Fashion & Design Council of Arunachal Pradesh, Northeast India Fashion Week and Indigenous Bharat Fashion Week. Lower Subansiri Deputy Commissioner Oli Perme inaugurated the event in the presence of Lower Subansiri Superintendent of Police Keni Bagra. The dignitaries commended the organisers for creating a professional platform that celebrates Apatani identity while empowering indigenous youth, designers, artisans and entrepreneurs. They said the initiative successfully blends traditional heritage with contemporary fashion and has the potential to showcase Arunachal Pradesh’s unique cultural identity to wider audiences. Delivering the welcome address, Siilang Diting Dree Festival Organising Committee General Secretary and Apatani Fashion Week and Apatani’s Next Top Model Chief Executive Officer Kago Jorang described fashion as a powerful medium of storytelling that reflects a community’s identity, history and traditions. He said the initiative aims to create sustainable opportunities for indigenous designers, artisans, weavers and young creative professionals while connecting local talent with regional and national platforms. Siilang Diting Dree Festival Organising Committee Chairman Dani Yubbe emphasised the need to preserve indigenous knowledge, traditional weaving practices and cultural heritage, saying every motif and handcrafted creation carries the history and identity of the community. A major attraction of the opening day was the contestant introduction round of Apatani’s Next Top Model 2026, where participants showcased individually styled looks inspired by Apatani heritage while expressing their creativity and aspirations. The runway featured collections by designers from Arunachal Pradesh and other northeastern states. Designer Nang Angie Ngoba Namchoom of Namsai presented a collection inspired by the landscapes of Ziro Valley. Though she was unable to attend because of travel disruptions caused by floods and road blockages, her collection was showcased to an appreciative audience. Pasighat-based designer Osum Jerang Karlo, founder of Sum’s Tribal Fusion, presented a collection blending tribal heritage with contemporary silhouettes. She was honoured with the Arunachal’s Best Fashion Designer of the Year 2026 award. Designer Zenith Khonjuju of Bichom district showcased her latest collection, “GI-ZHA,” featuring zero-waste principles, organic techniques and nature-inspired designs. She received the Arunachal’s Best Emerging Fashion Designer of the Year 2026 award. The day’s finale featured renowned Meghalaya designer Rupert Wanlambok Lynrah of Rose Bridal Shillong/RWL Designs, whose contemporary bridal couture brought the opening day’s fashion presentations to a close. The inaugural evening also featured cultural performances showcasing the rich artistic traditions of the Apatani community.      

ITANAGAR : The State Adoption Resource Agency (SARA) under the Department of Women and Child Development, in collaboration with the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA), organised a one-day orientation-cum-training programme on the Adoption Regulations, 2022 and the Child Adoption Resource Information and Guidance System (CARINGS) Portal at the Golden Jubilee Banquet Hall here on Thursday. The programme aimed to strengthen the adoption system in Arunachal Pradesh and build the capacity of stakeholders involved in adoption procedures. It was attended by deputy commissioners, chief medical officers, district child protection officers, chairpersons and members of Child Welfare Committees, representatives of Specialised Adoption Agencies and officials of the Women and Child Development Department. In her keynote address, In-charge Director of Women and Child Development Machi Gao stressed the need for timely, transparent and child-centric adoption procedures in accordance with the Adoption Regulations, 2022. She emphasised close coordination among stakeholders to ensure that every eligible child gets the opportunity to grow up in a safe and caring family. Technical sessions were conducted by CARA Senior Professional Upasana Chakma, who explained the key provisions and recent amendments to the Adoption Regulations, 2022 and their implications. She also highlighted the importance of family-based care, stating that children awaiting adoption should, wherever appropriate and in accordance with the law, be placed in foster care to help them develop a bond with prospective foster parents before adoption. Chakma also demonstrated the functioning of the CARINGS Portal integrated with the Mission Vatsalya Portal. The sessions focused on streamlining adoption procedures, improving coordination among stakeholders and ensuring compliance with statutory provisions. Retired West Bengal Women and Child Development and Social Welfare Department Joint Director Supriya Sarkar conducted a session on the roles and responsibilities of district magistrates, chief medical officers, Child Welfare Committees, District Child Protection Units and Specialised Adoption Agencies. He stressed that the best interests of the child must remain paramount in every adoption-related decision. The programme concluded with an interactive session during which participants sought clarifications on adoption procedures, legal responsibilities and field-level challenges. Deputy Director (HQ) and State Nodal Officer, Mission Vatsalya, Kina Takka proposed the vote of thanks and appealed to stakeholders to promote adoption and foster care in accordance with the prescribed rules. (DIPR)      

TAWANG : A district-level meeting on solid waste management held here on Thursday resolved to strengthen community participation and promote scientific waste management practices across Tawang district. The meeting, chaired by Tawang Deputy Commissioner Namgyal Angmo, was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioners Rinchin Leta and Tashi Dhondup, Zila Parishad members, representatives of the Indian Army, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), non-governmental organisations, students and Material Recovery Facility (MRF) operators. A major highlight of the meeting was a presentation by Lungla Additional Deputy Commissioner Tashi Dhondup on the community-led waste management initiative in Jemeithang, which has emerged as a successful model through active public participation. He highlighted the support extended to the initiative by the state government and local stakeholders, and acknowledged the contribution of the NGO Further and Beyond in its implementation. Material Recovery Facility operators from Jemeithang, Lhou and Tawang also shared their experiences, achievements and challenges in implementing sustainable waste management practices. Addressing the gathering, Angmo described the Jemeithang initiative as a model worthy of replication and urged Zila Parishad and Panchayat leaders to promote similar community-driven initiatives in their respective areas. She observed that waste was still being disposed of without proper treatment in many places and stressed the need to adopt scientific waste management practices. Reiterating the district administration’s commitment to a cleaner and plastic-free Tawang, she said the ban on single-use plastics and drinking water bottles below two litres would continue to be strictly enforced through regular inspections and surprise checks. The meeting also featured speeches by winners of the district-level waste management speech competition, who highlighted the importance of environmental conservation and responsible waste disposal. Zila Parishad members assured the administration of their support and suggested the formation of committees at different levels to strengthen implementation and monitoring of waste management initiatives. (DIPR)