Author name: OnlineAge

ITANAGAR : The Arunachal Pradesh BJP unit on Wednesday accused the Congress of politicising the NEET paper leak issue to target Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging that the opposition was more interested in creating protests than supporting reforms to ensure accountability and transparency in the examination system. Addressing reporters here, party spokesperson Mutchu Mithi said that the BJP had staged a protest against Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and the Congress over the latter’s demonstration near the Prime Minister’s residence on Tuesday. Mithi alleged that the Congress protest near the Prime Minister’s residence posed a potential security risk and claimed Rahul Gandhi’s intention was to attack the Prime Minister politically rather than focus on resolving the paper leak issue. Mithi, who represents Roing assembly constituency in Lower Dibang Valley district, said the Centre acted promptly after the paper leak came to light by ordering an investigation, arresting those allegedly involved and conducting a re-examination in the interest of students and their families. He said the government had also agreed to discuss the issue in Parliament after the opposition sought a debate, but alleged that Rahul Gandhi later shifted his demand to seeking the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. “The issue should be discussed in Parliament to bring reforms that ensure accountability and transparency. Strong and watertight reforms cannot be implemented overnight and require discussions with all stakeholders,” the lawmaker said. Accusing the Congress of trying to gain political mileage, Mithi alleged that the opposition was more interested in creating agitation on the streets than participating in discussions on reforms. Replying to queries, Mithi said India was a “process-driven democracy” where investigations are carried out impartially, and those found guilty are prosecuted through the legal process. Responding to questions on police action during protests, Mithi said maintaining law and order was a complex task and that it would not be appropriate to comment on the conduct of the police without knowing the complete facts on the ground. (Source: PTI)      

Maksam Tayeng PASIGHAT :  In a significant boost to market access for farmers, a truck carrying pineapples and lemons from the 39th Mebo Assembly Constituency was flagged off for Sikkim on Tuesday, marking the first consignment under the partnership between Mebo in Arunachal Pradesh and Temi-Namphing in Sikkim. The consignment was flagged off at Mebo by Agriculture, Horticulture and Allied Sectors Minister’s Advisor Talem Taboh in the presence of Pasighat East MLA Tapi Darang, Mariyang-Geku MLA Oni Panyang, Mebo Additional Deputy Commissioner Nancy Yirang, East Siang Zilla Parishad Chairperson Ruth Tabing Boko, Zilla Parishad Members, government officials and farmers. The initiative follows a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between the 39th Mebo Assembly Constituency and the 14th Temi-Namphing Assembly Constituency during the International Agro-Tourism Festival held in South Sikkim in June this year. The agreement established the two constituencies as sister constituencies for three years to promote cooperation in tourism, agriculture, cultural exchange, environmental conservation, skill development and sustainable rural development. Speaking at the flag-off programme, Mebo MLA Oken Tayeng said the first consignment marks the beginning of a long-term trade relationship that will create new market opportunities for farmers of Mebo. He urged farmers to seize emerging opportunities and said Mebo’s pineapples and lemons have the potential to gain recognition in wider domestic and international markets if provided with proper marketing support. Highlighting the partnership with Supreme Sikkim, an organic food processing company, Tayeng said the initiative would help ensure a stable market for locally grown fruits while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for farmers. He added that with slight price adjustments, farmers could sell their entire produce without worrying about unsold stock. He also appealed to neighbouring constituencies to join hands in promoting the production and marketing of local fruits and vegetables. Addressing the gathering, Advisor Talem Taboh underscored the importance of commercial agriculture in improving rural livelihoods and praised the quality of fruits and vegetables produced in Mebo and Pasighat. He lauded Tayeng’s initiative and assured continued support for efforts aimed at expanding agricultural marketing and value addition. Earlier, Tayeng paid tribute to late District Horticulture Officer Ayi Remi Ering, acknowledging her contributions to the horticulture sector. A one-minute silence was observed in her memory.    

PASIGHAT : A District Monitoring Committee led by East Siang SDO (Judicial) Makbul Siram inspected seven rehabilitation centres across the district, including the Government De-Addiction and Rehabilitation Centre at Jarkong, to review their functioning and ensure compliance with prescribed guidelines. The inspection team comprised District Medical Officer Dr Yagling Perme, District Drug De-Addiction Centre (DDAC) Dr O Borang, Deputy Superintendent of Police Toni Tatak, Deputy Director of School Education Adhuk Tabing, Deputy Director of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Mailong Taku and District Information and Public Relations Officer (in-charge) Miding Modi. The committee interacted with inmates and staff to assess the availability of essential facilities and services. It also reviewed healthcare, counselling services, staffing, the availability of qualified medical professionals, record maintenance, hygiene, safety measures and the overall living conditions of the inmates. During the visit, Deputy Director of School Education Adhuk Tabing highlighted the importance of vocational training and skill development programmes facilitated by the district administration, saying such initiatives help inmates acquire livelihood skills, promote self-reliance and support their successful reintegration into society. Deputy Director of Integrated Child Development Services Mailong Taku briefed the managements of the rehabilitation centres on the provisions of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, stressing that any case involving a juvenile must be reported immediately to the Juvenile Justice authorities or the Special Juvenile Police Unit (SJPU) for appropriate legal intervention and protection. The committee advised the managements of all rehabilitation centres to strictly adhere to the prescribed norms, standard operating procedures and guidelines issued by the competent authorities while ensuring quality care, discipline and a conducive environment for rehabilitation. It also emphasised that regular monitoring and coordinated efforts among the concerned departments are essential to strengthen rehabilitation services and ensure that the centres function in line with the objectives of de-addiction, care and social reintegration. (DIPR)    

CHANGLANG : As part of its efforts to strengthen digital governance and promote paperless administration, the Changlang district administration is conducting department-wise e-Office training programmes to facilitate the smooth implementation of the platform across government offices in the district. The latest training session was held for the Office of the Deputy Director of School Education (DDSE) at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall in Changlang. The programme was conducted by National Informatics Centre (NIC) Changlang District Informatics Officer Shiva Ram Krishna and attended by the Deputy Director of School Education along with officers and staff of the department. The training covered the complete e-Office workflow, from basic concepts to advanced functionalities. Participants received hands-on training in receipt management, file creation, noting and drafting, electronic file movement, digital signatures and other key modules required for efficient day-to-day office functioning. The interactive session also addressed participants’ queries and highlighted the role of digital workflows in improving efficiency, transparency, accountability and the timely disposal of official files. According to the district administration, all branches under the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Changlang, are now successfully using the e-Office platform for official file movement, marking a significant step towards transparent, efficient and paperless governance. The department-wise training programme will continue across government offices to ensure the seamless adoption of e-Office and further strengthen digital administration and public service delivery in the district. (DIPR)    

DAPORIJO : The Upper Subansiri district administration has launched the airlifting of essential food commodities to the flood-affected administrative circles of Nilling, Lingdam and Upper Giba, ensuring the uninterrupted supply of relief materials to communities cut off by widespread road and bridge damage caused by recent monsoon rains. Heavy rainfall severely damaged roads leading to Nilling and Upper Giba following breaches along the Nyo and Jao rivers, while the bridge over the Jao River was washed away, leaving 22 villages in Upper Giba completely isolated from the district headquarters. Another 20 villages under Nilling Circle also remain disconnected after road links were severed. Road connectivity to Lingdam was similarly disrupted, making the transportation of essential commodities by road impossible. In view of the hardships faced by the affected residents, the district administration, led by Upper Subansiri Deputy Commissioner, promptly initiated the requisition of helicopter services to transport food grains, medicines and other essential supplies. The proposal received support from local MLA Taniya Soki before being forwarded to the Directorate of Civil Aviation, Government of Arunachal Pradesh. The Directorate of Civil Aviation subsequently approved the request and issued a revised helicopter sortie schedule for July 22 and 23. Under the operation, helicopters are transporting rice and other essential commodities from Daporijo to Lingdam and Nilling to ensure timely delivery of relief materials to the affected population. The district administration, in coordination with the Department of Civil Aviation, District Food and Civil Supplies Office, circle administrations, police and other line departments, has put in place all necessary arrangements at the helipads, including security, crowd management, fire and emergency services, cleanliness, obstacle clearance and other safety measures in accordance with Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) guidelines. The administration expressed gratitude to the Government of Arunachal Pradesh, the Directorate of Civil Aviation, the helicopter crew, line departments and local representatives for their timely support and coordinated efforts in ensuring that essential supplies reach some of the district’s most remote and inaccessible areas. It reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the welfare of residents and said efforts would continue until normal road connectivity is restored.      

NAHARLAGUN :  Seva Bharati Arunachal Pradesh (SBAP), in collaboration with the Regional Ayurveda Research Institute (RARI), Itanagar, organised a free health camp at Pachin village near Naharlagun on Tuesday. Around 120 patients suffering from ailments such as fever, cough and allergies received medical consultation and treatment during the camp. The programme was inaugurated by Seva Bharati Arunachal Pradesh President Dr Rinchin Dorjee Megeji in the presence of Arunachal Shiksha Vikas Samiti State Coordinator Sukamaran KV and other dignitaries. Senior Research Fellow (Ayurveda) Dr Joram Jayir and Dr Tamchi Rohini conducted the camp, providing free health check-ups and medicines to the beneficiaries. The organisers said the initiative was aimed at improving access to healthcare services and promoting community health and well-being.