Author name: OnlineAge

NAMSAI : Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein on Friday described Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as key drivers of inclusive economic growth and employment generation, stating that the sector contributes nearly 30 per cent to India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and is the country’s second-largest source of employment. Addressing a Townhall Meeting on MSMEs organised by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Itanagar, at the Multipurpose Cultural Hall here to commemorate International MSME Day, Mein urged aspiring entrepreneurs and Self Help Group (SHG) members to leverage government schemes and become self-reliant job creators. Highlighting the state government’s MSME Facilitation Ordinance, 2026, Mein said the legislation aims to improve the ease of doing business through simplified procedures and a single-window mechanism for MSME loan processing. He also highlighted flagship initiatives such as the Arunachal Pradesh Entrepreneurship Development Programme (APEDP) 5.0, Deendayal Upadhyay Swavalamban Yojana (DDUSY) and the ARUN MSME Mission, which provide capital subsidies, interest subvention and entrepreneurship support to youth and women. The townhall aimed to bring unbanked entrepreneurs into the formal financial system, improve access to institutional credit and facilitate direct interaction between entrepreneurs, banks and key stakeholders. RBI Itanagar General Manager Abhijit Majumdar said that although banks in Arunachal Pradesh had achieved the Priority Sector Lending targets under the Annual Credit Plan, the state’s Credit-Deposit Ratio stood at 42.73 per cent as of March 2026, below the RBI benchmark of 60 per cent. He urged banks to enhance credit flow to MSMEs under various government schemes to accelerate economic development and improve the state’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP). Namsai Deputy Commissioner CR Khampa emphasised that sustainable economic development depends on entrepreneurship and encouraged entrepreneurs to explore emerging opportunities in waste management, recycling and upcycling. Namsai District Planning Officer Dr Keshab Sharma called for greater collaboration between entrepreneurs and financial institutions to promote value addition and exports of local products in line with the vision of ‘Viksit Arunachal’, while assuring continued support from the district administration for enterprise promotion. National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) Assistant General Manager Kamal Roy highlighted the institution’s initiatives in credit planning, sustainable agriculture, climate-resilient development and Geographical Indication (GI)-based livelihood promotion. During the programme, the Deputy Chief Minister launched NABARD’s Potential Linked Credit Plan (PLP) for Namsai district, projecting a priority sector credit potential of ₹164.78 crore. Officials from RBI, the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) and NABARD made presentations on MSME financing, government support schemes, credit guarantee coverage, capital subsidies, interest subvention and financial inclusion. The Chief Executive Officer of NOSAAP, Namsai, presented the success story of setting up processing facilities for turmeric and Khamti rice, highlighting the benefits of value addition and collective enterprise. An interactive open-house session enabled entrepreneurs to raise issues relating to credit access, documentation and banking procedures, which were addressed by officials of participating banks and financial institutions. Participants also received RBI publications on MSMEs and financial literacy. On the sidelines of the programme, NOSAAP organised a Buyer-Seller Meet under the NABARD-supported JIVA (Natural Farming) Project. The exhibition showcased natural farming models and value-added products prepared by SHGs from across the district. DCM Chowna Mein visited the stalls and appreciated the efforts of SHGs in promoting natural farming, rural livelihoods and local entrepreneurship. The programme was attended by around 450 participants, including MSME entrepreneurs, SHG members, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), officials of the Arunachal State Rural Livelihoods Mission (ArSRLM), Moneywise CRISIL Foundation, representatives of commercial banks, Arunachal Pradesh Rural Bank, Arunachal Pradesh State Cooperative Apex Bank, SIDBI, NABARD and various government departments. Among those present were Namsai Deputy Commissioner CR Khampa, Namsai District Planning Officer Dr Keshab Sharma and State Level Bankers’ Committee (SLBC) Deputy General Manager Amit Ranjan.  

KHONSA : a major anti-drug operation, Deomali Police, in coordination with the Deomali administration, arrested a woman and seized 51 grams of suspected heroin during a search conducted at Batey Colony, behind WRG College, Deomali. The operation was carried out on Thursday by Inspector Wangke Ronrang, Sub-Inspector Ngalo Jilen and the Police Station Ready Team in the presence of Soha Circle Officer-cum-Executive Magistrate Toko Kacha and an independent witness. The accused, Nyamyang Thingnok (39), a resident of Batey Colony, was apprehended in connection with an earlier case relating to the alleged peddling and supply of suspected narcotic substances in the Deomali area. During the search of her residence and adjoining premises, the police recovered 51 grams of suspected heroin, ₹9,700 believed to be proceeds from the sale of narcotic substances, a mobile phone and other incriminating articles. All seized items were weighed, marked, labelled, packed and sealed on the spot following the prescribed legal procedures. Police said several attempts had earlier been made to apprehend the accused, who had allegedly been evading arrest since the registration of the case and the arrest of two other accused persons on May 15 this year. According to police, the accused had also been arrested earlier in another case registered under Section 21(b) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, indicating her alleged repeated involvement in narcotics-related offences. Reiterating their zero-tolerance policy against drug trafficking, the Deomali administration and police said stringent action would continue against those involved in the illegal narcotics trade. They also appealed to the public to cooperate by sharing credible information on drug-related activities to help make Deomali and Tirap district drug-free.    

Maksam Tayeng PASIGHAT : In a major step towards protecting the environment and preserving one of East Siang district’s most popular tourist corridors, the Mebo administration has prohibited littering and dumping of waste along the National Highway stretch between Raneghat and Pongging Viewpoint on the left bank of the Siang River. The prohibitory order, issued by Mebo Additional Deputy Commissioner Nancy Yirang on June 18 under the Eco-Clean Mebo Mission (ECMM) initiative, followed reports of indiscriminate dumping of plastic waste, bottles, food packets, construction debris and other garbage, causing environmental pollution, public nuisance and deterioration of the area’s scenic beauty. The highway corridor from Raneghat Bridge over the Siang River to Bodak village is a popular destination for tourists and local residents for long drives, cycling, jogging, picnics and other recreational activities. The administration said immediate preventive measures were necessary to preserve the area’s natural beauty, environmental sustainability and public hygiene. According to the order, throwing, depositing or dumping any form of waste along the highway, adjoining roadsides, drains, viewpoints and other public places is strictly prohibited. Visitors have been directed to retain waste inside their vehicles or dispose of it only at designated waste collection points. The Circle Officer of Mebo, Officer-in-Charge of Mebo Police Station, village authorities of Ayeng and Bodak, Panchayat members and volunteers of the Eco-Clean Mebo Mission have been directed to ensure strict implementation of the order through regular monitoring, inspections and enforcement drives. The administration has warned that violators will face legal action, including fines, prosecution and other penalties under applicable laws. Members of the ECMM, Panchayati Raj Institution representatives, Self Help Groups (SHGs) and village volunteers have also been tasked with conducting awareness campaigns on responsible waste disposal and environmental conservation. The order has come into force with immediate effect and will remain in force until further orders. The Eco-Clean Mebo Mission is a community-driven initiative covering 17 villages in Mebo subdivision to promote environmental conservation, cleanliness, eco-tourism, sustainable livelihoods and biodiversity protection. Spearheaded by Mebo MLA Oken Tayeng, the mission is implemented with the support of the local administration led by Mebo Additional Deputy Commissioner Nancy Yirang and ECMM Manager Olen Megu Damin. Besides promoting sanitation and waste management, the initiative supports village-specific livelihood projects, including floriculture, areca nut cultivation, bird-watching tourism, cultivation of indigenous fruits, conservation of native fish species and wildlife protection, with the objective of developing Mebo into a model eco-tourism destination while ensuring sustainable rural development.      

Maksam Tayeng PASIGHAT :  The State Bank of India (SBI), Pasighat Branch, on Thursday donated three sets of airport chairs to the herbal clinic of Padma Shri awardee Yanung Jamoh Lego at GTC, Pasighat, to improve waiting facilities for patients and visitors. The chairs were handed over by the SBI Pasighat team led by Chief Manager Arun Kumar during a visit to the clinic. The donation was made under the bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, considering the large number of patients and visitors who travel from different parts of the country to seek consultation at the clinic. Many visitors, including elderly and ailing patients, often have to wait for long periods before their turn. Speaking on the occasion, Arun Kumar said the chairs would provide much-needed comfort to patients and attendants waiting for treatment. “Patients and visitors from different parts of the country often have to wait for their turn. We hope this small contribution will make their visit more comfortable,” he said, adding that the bank was pleased to support a facility serving people from across the country. Yanung Jamoh Lego has been practising traditional Adi herbal medicine for more than three decades and is widely known for her contribution to indigenous healthcare. Her clinic receives a large number of visitors from Arunachal Pradesh and other parts of the country seeking traditional herbal treatment.    

Mingkeng Osik PASIGHAT : Miss Universe Arunachal Pradesh 2026 first runner-up and Miss Multimedia titleholder Anchali Peyang was accorded a warm reception on her arrival in Pasighat, where family members, friends, well-wishers and supporters gathered to celebrate her achievement. Anchali, who is also the reigning Miss Lune 2025, brought laurels to East Siang district after securing the first runner-up title and the Miss Multimedia subtitle at the Miss Universe Arunachal Pradesh 2026 pageant. Speaking on the occasion, BBYK spokesperson Dangki Ering congratulated Anchali on her success and said the organisation, along with the people of East Siang, was proud of her achievement. He commended her dedication, perseverance and hard work in representing the district on a prestigious platform. Her maternal uncle, Orin Ratan, described her accomplishment as a source of inspiration for young people and wished her greater success in the future. Expressing gratitude for the warm reception, Anchali thanked the people of Pasighat for their love and encouragement. She credited her mother as the greatest source of inspiration throughout her journey. Speaking about her future aspirations, she said her next goal is to win the Miss Arunachal Pradesh crown while continuing to pursue her academic studies. She encouraged young women to remain focused on their education and work diligently to realise their dreams. The felicitation programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from supporters, who congratulated the young achiever and wished her success in her future endeavours. Many described her accomplishment as a proud moment for East Siang and expressed confidence that she would continue to excel in the field of pageantry while inspiring aspiring youth across the state. Anchali is currently pursuing her studies at Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU). She also works as a part-time reporter with the Eastern Post news channel based in Arunachal Pradesh.    

JOLLANG : In a collective show of commitment against substance abuse, Stepping Stone De-addiction & Rehabilitation Centre, in collaboration with the Brahma Kumaris RajYoga Meditation & De-addiction Centre, observed the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking with an awareness programme at Geko Sports Club, Jollang on Friday. Held under the theme “Transforming Craving into Character, Dependency into Dignity through RajYoga,” the programme brought together recovering youths, youth leaders, social workers, police officials, spiritual educators and community members to promote a drug-free and value-based society. The programme began with a welcome song presented by inmates of the rehabilitation centre, whose performance reflected hope, resilience and the possibility of recovery through determination and support. Welcoming the gathering, Stepping Stone De-addiction & Rehabilitation Centre Managing Director Kago Nyime described addiction as a multidimensional social challenge requiring compassionate rehabilitation, family support, community participation and sustained psychological and spiritual empowerment. He reaffirmed the centre’s commitment to restoring dignity and confidence among individuals recovering from substance dependence through holistic rehabilitation and counselling. Niti Vihar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Takhe Tasso explained the legal provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and urged young people to remain vigilant against drug peddlers while extending full cooperation to law enforcement agencies. He also highlighted the far-reaching social, economic and legal consequences of drug abuse and trafficking, calling upon the youth to embrace discipline, responsible citizenship and positive life choices. Delivering the keynote address, Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU) Professor and Brahma Kumaris Senior Faculty Trainer Prof Jayadeba Sahoo spoke on the transformative role of RajYoga meditation in overcoming addiction. He said substance dependence often stems from emotional insecurity, loss of self-worth and negative thought patterns, and emphasised that RajYoga helps strengthen self-control, emotional resilience, positive thinking and spiritual awareness, thereby supporting long-term recovery and preventing relapse. Prof Sahoo stressed that successful rehabilitation extends beyond physical detoxification and requires inner transformation through value-based living. He called for the integration of value education, meditation and spiritual well-being into de-addiction and preventive healthcare programmes. One of the highlights of the programme was the sharing of personal recovery stories by former addicts, who narrated their journey from addiction to rehabilitation. Their testimonies underscored the importance of professional treatment, family support, determination and spiritual guidance in rebuilding their lives. Addressing the gathering, Brahma Kumaris member BK Jyoti highlighted the physical, psychological, social and economic consequences of substance abuse and urged young people to cultivate positive values, self-discipline and healthy company. Brahma Kumaris Manager BK Junu encouraged participants to adopt the RajYoga lifestyle based on self-awareness, meditation and positive thinking. She later conducted a guided RajYoga meditation session and administered an anti-drug pledge, with participants resolving to stay away from intoxicants, support individuals in recovery and work towards building a compassionate, drug-free society. Speaking on the occasion, Obin Cozy appreciated the joint initiative of Stepping Stone De-addiction & Rehabilitation Centre and the Brahma Kumaris, observing that lasting success against drug abuse requires coordinated efforts by families, educational institutions, law enforcement agencies, healthcare professionals, spiritual organisations and the youth. The programme concluded with a renewed pledge by participants to combat substance abuse through awareness, rehabilitation, spiritual empowerment and collective social responsibility, reaffirming that lasting freedom from addiction begins with inner transformation.