Latest News

Staff Reporter ITANAGAR :  The All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) on Tuesday submitted a comprehensive 13-point charter of demands to Chief Minister Pema Khandu, seeking stronger constitutional safeguards, protection of indigenous rights, enhanced employment opportunities for local youth and measures to secure the socio-political future of the state’s tribal communities. Addressing a press conference at the Arunachal Press Club (APC) here, AAPSU president Mize Taku described the memorandum as the “collective voice and aspirations of the indigenous people of Arunachal Pradesh”, stating that the issues raised concern the protection of identity, land, livelihood and constitutional rights. The memorandum was submitted during a meeting between the Chief Minister and AAPSU’s central executive members at the Civil Secretariat earlier in the day. Among its key demands, AAPSU called for the abolition of the existing 80:20 recruitment ratio in state government jobs, under which 80 per cent of posts are reserved for Arunachal Pradesh Scheduled Tribe (APST) candidates and 20 per cent remain open to non-APST applicants. The union argued that the policy, introduced in 1990, has become outdated and no longer adequately safeguards indigenous interests. The students’ body also sought mandatory submission of Permanent Resident Certificate (PRC) and APST certificates in all competitive recruitment examinations conducted in the state. It further urged amendments to recruitment rules to prevent misuse of fraudulent documents and plug existing loopholes. AAPSU demanded amendments to the Arunachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj Act, 1997, making PRC and APST certificates compulsory for candidates contesting Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) elections. The union cited the election of a non-APST candidate from Vijaynagar in Changlang district during the 2025 Panchayat elections as an example of a legislative gap requiring urgent correction. On constitutional issues, the union reiterated its demand for the re-amendment of Article 371(H), terming it the most significant issue in its charter. AAPSU maintained that the provision does not provide adequate constitutional safeguards for customary laws, land ownership and natural resources compared to protections available under Articles 371(A) and 371(G) in neighbouring tribal-majority states. The union also renewed its opposition to the permanent settlement of Chakma and Hajong refugees in Arunachal Pradesh and urged the government to pursue a long-term and honourable resettlement solution outside the state while ensuring that no additional land is allocated to non-indigenous settlers. While welcoming progress made in resolving the Arunachal Pradesh-Assam boundary dispute through recent agreements, AAPSU noted that several disputed villages remain unresolved. It demanded construction of a dedicated corridor road along the inter-state boundary to strengthen territorial security, improve connectivity and prevent future encroachments. The memorandum also raised concerns over the continued issuance of stapled visas to residents of Arunachal Pradesh by foreign authorities, terming the practice an affront to India’s sovereignty. It further called for stricter implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system and stronger measures to curb illegal immigration into the state. Expressing concern over incidents of racial discrimination against people from the Northeast in different parts of the country, the union demanded a dedicated national anti-racism law, stricter legal action against racial abuse and violence, and inclusion of Northeast India’s history and culture in school curricula. To address unemployment, AAPSU proposed a dedicated startup package for indigenous youth, including collateral-free financial assistance, mentorship support and market linkages. It also sought the introduction of a Chief Minister’s Research Fellowship for APST scholars pursuing doctoral studies in institutions across the state. Other demands included establishment of permanent Common University Entrance Test (CUET) centres in Itanagar, Naharlagun and Pasighat, creation of a government-recognised protest ground in the Itanagar Capital Region, and setting up of a government-run Working Women’s Hostel to provide safe and affordable accommodation for women from remote districts. Taku urged the state government to take time-bound action on the demands and warned that the union may resort to democratic forms of agitation if the issues remain unaddressed.      

ITANAGAR : Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Tuesday said the signing of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) 2.0 agreement with the Centre marks a major step towards strengthening drinking water services and ensuring long-term water security across the state. Khandu made the remarks after the state government signed a reform-linked memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti for the implementation of JJM 2.0, aimed at improving rural drinking water infrastructure and ensuring sustainable tap water supply. In a social media post, the chief minister said the initiative would help address water scarcity, improve service delivery systems and advance Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a “Viksit Bharat” with safe and reliable tap water for every household. The MoU was signed during a programme attended by Union Jal Shakti Minister C R Patil, Minister of State V Somanna and senior officials of the Centre and the state government. Khandu participated in the programme virtually along with the state Public Health Engineering and Water Supply Minister Mama Natung. The agreement forms part of the Centre’s revamped JJM 2.0 framework, which focuses on long-term sustainability, improved service delivery and community-led management of rural water supply schemes, officials said. Under the programme, states are required to undertake structural reforms, strengthen institutional mechanisms and encourage greater participation of local bodies, including village-level water and sanitation committees, in the operation and maintenance of water supply infrastructure, they said. Approved by the Union Cabinet earlier this year, JJM 2.0 will be implemented till December 2028 with an enhanced financial outlay. The mission aims to ensure reliable and sustainable drinking water services to rural households while improving water quality monitoring and accountability. Arunachal Pradesh’s participation in the reform-linked framework would enable the state to access central assistance tied to performance benchmarks and reform measures, besides accelerating efforts to provide safe drinking water to households in remote and difficult terrain areas, officials added. (Source: PTI)      

ITANAGAR : The State Foundation Days of Telangana, Sikkim and Goa were celebrated with enthusiasm and patriotic fervour at Lok Bhavan here on Tuesday as part of the ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ initiative. Governor Lt Gen KT Parnaik (Retd), accompanied by First Lady Anagha Parnaik, participated in the celebrations and extended greetings to the people of the three states, acknowledging their contributions to the nation’s progress, cultural diversity and democratic values. Reflecting on their unique historical journeys, the Governor highlighted Telangana’s achievements in innovation and economic growth, Sikkim’s commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development, and Goa’s rich cultural heritage and historical significance. Drawing parallels with Arunachal Pradesh, Parnaik noted that all four states share a strong respect for indigenous traditions, vibrant tribal cultures, rich handloom and handicraft heritage, and significant tourism potential. Despite geographical distances, he said, they are united by common values of community living, cultural pride and harmonious coexistence with nature. Emphasising the significance of the ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ programme, the Governor described it as a visionary initiative aimed at strengthening emotional integration among citizens and celebrating India’s diversity. He said the programme has fostered people-to-people connections, encouraged appreciation of different cultures and promoted the spirit of unity in diversity, particularly among the youth. The Governor also commended the participants for their enthusiastic cultural performances and informative presentations. A colourful cultural programme showcasing the rich heritage of different States marked the occasion. Students of Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya (VKV), Itanagar, presented a traditional Arunachali dance, while performances of the Sikkimese group song ‘Chitti Chitti’ and folk dance ‘Gairi Khet Ko Sirai Hanyo’ highlighted Sikkim’s cultural traditions. Bhagyasree of VKV, Itanagar, presented a Bharatanatyam recital, celebrating India’s classical dance heritage. Informative presentations on Sikkim, Goa and Telangana were delivered by Gichik Yachum of VKV, Itanagar, and Chukhu Nachum and Nabam Kampung of Boum Kakir Mission School, Doimukh, under the Let’s Speak Arunachal initiative. The programme was further enriched by the participation of children, staff and parents of Sacred Heart Convent & Day Centre, Itanagar, who attended as special guests of the Governor. Interacting with them, the Governor underscored the importance of building an inclusive and supportive society where every individual is empowered to realise their full potential. As part of the celebrations, the Governor and the First Lady hosted a high tea for people from Telangana, Sikkim and Goa, as well as participating students and officials. Audiovisual messages from Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma and Sikkim Governor Om Prakash Mathur were also screened during the programme.      

PANGIN : A public awareness and community engagement programme focusing on avocado cultivation, scientific horticulture practices and the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) was conducted at Pangin village to promote sustainable farming and enhance public awareness about the developmental significance of the proposed project. The grassroots outreach initiative, which commenced on May 27, witnessed active participation from villagers and local households. The programme aimed to encourage scientific agricultural practices while facilitating informed discussions on infrastructure development, regional progress and community welfare. Siang Horticulture Development Officer Leniya Pertin attended the programme as the chief guest and shared insights on advanced avocado cultivation techniques, scientific horticulture methods and sustainable farming practices. She emphasised the importance of adopting modern agricultural technologies to improve productivity, strengthen livelihoods and support long-term rural development. The programme was also attended by senior public leader Oyar Gao and youth leader Tatop Panor, whose presence encouraged active interaction and participation among the villagers. An open interactive session enabled community members to raise queries and share their views on horticulture development and the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP). More than 25 participants took part in discussions on avocado farming, crop management, infrastructure development and community welfare. As part of the awareness drive, information booklets on SUMP were distributed among villagers to promote transparency and improve public understanding of the project and its proposed objectives. The organisers stated that the programme helped strengthen awareness of sustainable horticulture practices while encouraging informed community participation on issues related to agriculture, development and the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project.      

RONO HILLS : In a significant initiative to strengthen mental healthcare systems in Arunachal Pradesh, the Indian Council of Medical Research-Arunachal Indigenous Tribes Study (ICMR-AITS) Project Team of Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU) organised a consultative-cum-stakeholder meeting of mental health professionals and advocates at the university. The meeting brought together around 25 mental health professionals and advocates representing various organisations and service sectors across the state. Participants included counsellors from District Child Protection Units (DCPU), clinical psychologists and counsellors from Tele-MANAS Arunachal Pradesh, professionals from Midpu Mental Hospital, substance abuse counsellors from Kripa Foundation and Opioid Substitution Treatment (OST) Centres, representatives of Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (TRIHMS), private practitioners, school counsellors and mental health advocates. The deliberations focused on the prevailing mental health scenario in Arunachal Pradesh, covering emerging mental health concerns, contributing factors, help-seeking pathways, barriers to treatment, family and parenting issues, and gaps in mental health infrastructure and service delivery. The consultation was facilitated by ICMR-AITS Project Research Scientist-II Dr Leeyir Ete. During the discussions, participants highlighted the critical role of family environment and parenting practices in shaping mental health outcomes and stressed the need for preventive interventions and stronger emotional support systems within families and communities. Another key recommendation was the development of culturally relevant and context-specific mental health interventions alongside conventional counselling approaches. Participants emphasised the importance of integrating local cultural practices, community resources and indigenous knowledge systems to improve the accessibility and effectiveness of mental healthcare services. Speaking during the meeting, Tele-MANAS Arunachal Pradesh In-charge Dr Hatobin Mai highlighted the programme’s contribution in expanding access to mental healthcare services across the state. He also underscored the role of District Mental Health Programmes (DMHPs) operating in 16 districts in improving outreach and service delivery. ICMR-AITS Project Principal Investigator Dr Tarun Mene described the consultation as an important step towards building a more coordinated and responsive mental healthcare ecosystem in the state. He emphasised that meaningful progress in mental health requires sustained collaboration among professionals, institutions, communities and policymakers. Co-Principal Investigator Dr Amit Kumar highlighted the responsibility of mental health professionals in addressing growing mental health challenges and stressed the need for collective efforts to strengthen support systems and service delivery mechanisms. A major outcome of the meeting was the development of a referral linkage pathway connecting mental health professionals and service providers according to their areas of expertise. The initiative is expected to facilitate timely referrals, improve inter-agency coordination and ensure that individuals receive appropriate care and support. The meeting concluded with a collective commitment from stakeholders to continue collaborative efforts aimed at enhancing mental health awareness, strengthening referral systems and expanding access to quality mental healthcare services across Arunachal Pradesh.