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(Online version of the Arunachal Age newspaper)

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Meritorious students felicitated

YUPIA : The Office of the Deputy Director of School Education (DDSE) Papum Pare on Tuesday organised a felicitation programme to honour the top three meritorious students of the district from Classes III to XII under the Golden Jubilee Meritorious Students Award 2024-25. Altogether, 29 students from various private, government and government-aided schools were felicitated with cash prizes, mementoes and certificates for their outstanding academic achievements. Addressing the programme, Papum Pare Deputy Commissioner Lobsang Tsering urged students to move beyond mere literacy and strive for knowledge. “All avenues open up through knowledge. The award instituted by the government is aimed at motivating students to set higher goals, work harder and excel academically,” he said. Emphasising the importance of discipline and moral values, the DC advised students to stay away from drugs and other bad habits. “Students should inculcate good manners and values and become responsible citizens through education,” he said. Highlighting the importance of reading habits, he urged students to regularly read newspapers and books. “Reading improves language skills, enhances intellectual growth and helps reduce excessive screen time,” the DC added. Addressing parents, Tsering said, “Parents play an equally important role as schools in the holistic development of children and must actively monitor and guide them.” Papum Pare Deputy Director of School Education T T Tara informed that the Golden Jubilee Meritorious Students Awards were instituted as part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Arunachal Pradesh to encourage academic excellence among students. He said government schools today have significantly improved infrastructure and highly qualified teachers compared to earlier times and encouraged students to seek admission in government schools. During the programme, Class X district topper and state fifth-rank holder Lisa Leyu Sikom shared her experiences and dedicated her achievement to the teachers of Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya (VKV) Balijan. Among others, District Project Coordinator ISSE Tang Moromi, BEO Academics Sanjiv Chetri, parents and officials of the DDSE office attended the programme. (DIPR)    

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APTEA warns of indefinite pen-down strike over salary issue

Staff Reporter ITANAGAR : The Arunachal Pradesh Teacher Educators Association (APTEA) on Tuesday appealed to the Arunachal Pradesh Government to ensure regular salary disbursement for employees of District Institutes of Education and Training (DIETs) through the state head under the state budget. The association also warned of an indefinite pen-down strike if the issue remains unresolved. Addressing a press conference at the Arunachal Press Club here, APTEA president Tayon Dai said employees of the 11 DIETs in the state have been facing irregularities in salary disbursement since 2019 despite being regular state government employees. “The issue started after the salary disbursement system for DIET employees was shifted from the state head to the PMMS mode,” Dai said. He informed that the association has been repeatedly submitting representations to the authorities concerned since 2021 seeking regular and timely release of salaries for DIET employees. “Despite repeated assurances from the government, the issue remains unresolved,” he alleged. Dai further claimed that, according to reliable sources, DIET employees may not receive salaries for April, May, June and July this year. Expressing concern over the situation, the association announced a series of democratic agitations under the theme “No Pay, No Work” in protest against the delay in salary disbursement. As part of the first phase of the agitation, APTEA will observe a one-day pen-down strike on May 29, followed by a two-day pen-down strike on June 4 and 5. The association warned that it would launch an indefinite pen-down strike from June 15 if the state government fails to resolve the issue.    

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Centre cancels NEET-UG 2026 amid paper leak allegations; re-test to follow

NEW DELHI : The National Testing Agency (NTA) on Tuesday announced the cancellation of NEET (UG) 2026 conducted on May 3, and said the examination will be re-conducted on dates to be notified separately. The CBI will carry out a comprehensive inquiry into the allegations linked to the exam, the agency said. In a statement, the NTA said the decision was taken in the interest of maintaining transparency and preserving trust in the national examination system. “On the basis of inputs subsequently examined by NTA in coordination with central agencies, and the investigative findings shared by the law enforcement agencies, the National Testing Agency, with the approval of the Government of India, has decided to cancel the NEET (UG) 2026 examination conducted on 3 May 2026, and to re-conduct the examination on dates that will be notified separately,” the agency said. The agency said the inputs received, taken together with findings shared by law enforcement agencies, established that the “present examination process could not be allowed to stand.” “The re-conducted examination dates, along with the re-issued admit-card schedule, will be communicated through the official channels of the Agency in the coming days,” it added. The NTA further said the government has decided to refer the matter to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for a comprehensive inquiry into the allegations linked to the examination. “NTA will extend full cooperation to the Bureau and will provide all materials, records, and assistance the inquiry requires,” it added. The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) was conducted by the NTA on May 3 for students seeking admission to medical education courses at the undergraduate level. In a post on X on Sunday, the NTA had said question papers were transported in GPS-tracked vehicles carrying unique, traceable watermark identifiers, while examination centres were monitored through AI-assisted CCTV surveillance from a central control room. “The National Testing Agency is aware of reports concerning the action initiated by the Rajasthan Special Operations Group in connection with alleged irregularities around NEET (UG) 2026. The examination on May 3, 2026 was conducted as scheduled and under a full security protocol,” the NTA had said. According to the agency, inputs regarding alleged malpractice activity were received on the evening of May 7, four days after the examination, and were escalated to central agencies on the morning of May 8 for “independent verification and necessary action”. It further said the action taken by law enforcement authorities, including recent detentions reported in the media, was a result of the “professional and timely work” of the investigating agencies. (Source: PTI)    

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Capital DC reviews monsoon preparedness measures

ITANAGAR : The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) Capital Region on Tuesday reviewed preparedness measures for the ensuing Southwest Monsoon during a meeting held at the Conference Hall of the Deputy Commissioner’s Camp Office at IG Park here. The meeting, chaired by Capital Region Deputy Commissioner Toko Babu, was attended by officials of various departments and disaster management stakeholders. Preparedness strategies and precautionary measures to minimise the impact of monsoon-related disasters were discussed in detail during the meeting. Addressing the officials, the DC said, “All departments must work in close coordination and maintain readiness with adequate manpower, machinery and essential resources to respond promptly during emergencies.” Capital Region District Disaster Management Officer (DDMO) informed the meeting that departmental roles and responsibilities had already been assigned through earlier orders. She urged departments to submit updated contingency lists of manpower and machinery for incorporation into the District Disaster Management Plan (DDMP) and updation of the India Disaster Resource Network (IDRN) portal. She also apprised the members about the Arunachal Pradesh Disaster Management Information System (APDMIS) portal. The District Food and Civil Supplies Officer informed that sufficient stocks of essential commodities, including rice and LPG, are available and supply chains remain unaffected. Open grounds suitable for emergency operations and landings during exigencies have also been identified. The District Medical Officer informed that Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) have been divided into five groups to cover the entire Capital Region during emergencies and to provide medical assistance in relief camps. Adequate stock and management of medicines have also been ensured. Directing the Health Department to intensify awareness campaigns on monsoon-related diseases, the Deputy Commissioner said, “Public awareness on symptoms, preventive measures and health precautions during the monsoon season must be taken up extensively.” The DC directed the Divisional Forest Officer and Itanagar Municipal Corporation authorities to undertake pruning and felling of vulnerable trees posing risks to human life and property. Work departments were instructed to ensure regular clearance of clogged drains and nallahs and keep men and machinery ready for emergency response. The Executive Engineer of the Water Resources Department was directed to continuously monitor water levels in vulnerable rivers, while the Electrical Executive Engineer was asked to ensure protection of power infrastructure and uninterrupted electricity supply to relief camps. The Executive Engineer of the Public Health Engineering Department, Itanagar-Naharlagun, was directed to identify vulnerable areas prone to pipeline disruptions and make alternative arrangements for water supply. The DC also instructed all concerned departments to immediately report illegal earth-cutting activities and illegal constructions over drains. Administrative Officers were directed to supervise designated relief camps and ensure proper water and electricity facilities. DDMA Co-Chairperson and Itanagar Mayor Likha Nari assured full cooperation and support in tackling any disaster-related eventualities during the monsoon season. (DIPR)          

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State Food Commission reviews PDS, welfare schemes in East Kameng

SEPPA : The Arunachal Pradesh State Food Commission (APSFC) on Tuesday reviewed the implementation of food distribution and welfare schemes under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) in East Kameng district during its visit to Seppa. The commission team, led by Tarh Tarak, held a meeting with East Kameng Deputy Commissioner and district officials to assess the functioning and monitoring of food supply systems under various government schemes. Key issues related to the Mid-Day Meal scheme, proper distribution under the Public Distribution System (PDS), storage facilities and public grievances were discussed during the meeting. Officials also reviewed challenges concerning timely supply and effective distribution of essential commodities to beneficiaries across the district. The team examined the implementation of the National Food Security Act and the overall functioning of the Public Distribution System in the district. The APSFC team is currently on a four-day tour of western Arunachal Pradesh to review implementation of the NFSA in Tawang, West Kameng, Bichom and East Kameng districts. Earlier on Monday, the team also held a review meeting on the implementation of the NFSA at the office chamber of West Kameng DC Dr Dilip Kumar in Bomdila. During the meeting, officials reviewed key schemes and programmes linked to the Act, including PM Poshan, Supplementary Nutrition Programme (SNP), Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY), the Public Distribution System (PDS) and National Health Mission initiatives for pregnant and lactating women. Addressing the meeting, Tarak said, “All concerned officers must ensure seamless implementation of the schemes to prevent public grievances and ensure that benefits reach the genuine beneficiaries.” He also stressed the need for proper monitoring of food allocation and food safety measures across the district. (DIPR)        

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NABARD, ICAI organise capacity building program for cooperatives

NAHARLAGUN : A two-day capacity building programme aimed at strengthening financial management of cooperative institutions in Arunachal Pradesh concluded at Naharlagun on Tuesday. The programme was jointly organised by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), Office of the Registrar of Cooperative Societies and Arunachal Pradesh State Cooperative Apex Bank Ltd. (APSCAB). The training programme was conducted for officers and staff of APSCAB and 34 Large-Sized Adivasi Multipurpose Cooperative Societies (LAMPS) to enhance their capabilities in understanding and analysing financial statements and improving financial governance. The programme was inaugurated by ICAI Cooperation and NPO Committee chairman Pankaj Shah in the presence of NABARD General Manager and Officer-in-Charge S V Ranga Rao, Arunachal Pradesh Registrar of Cooperative Societies Jummar Bam and APSCAB Managing Director Bittu Kri. More than 60 participants attended the programme on both days. Addressing the participants, Pankaj Shah highlighted the activities and initiatives of ICAI and appreciated the role played by cooperative institutions in rural development. “Cooperative institutions in Arunachal Pradesh have a crucial role in extending credit for agriculture and rural development. ICAI will continue to provide knowledge-based support to cooperatives in the state,” Shah said. Explaining the objectives of the programme, S V Ranga Rao urged APSCAB and LAMPS to effectively utilise the training for strengthening their accounting and financial management systems and for proper implementation of computerisation initiatives. Bittu Kri appreciated the initiative taken by NABARD and ICAI in supporting capacity-building interventions for cooperative institutions in the state. Jummar Bam underscored the role of cooperatives in achieving the goals of the ‘Sahakar Se Samriddhi’ and ‘Viksit Bharat’ initiatives. In his address on the opening day, Joint Registrar of Cooperative Societies Michi Gambo highlighted the responsibility of cooperatives in implementing various initiatives of the Ministry of Cooperation, Government of India. Chartered Accountant Sunil Nagaonkar conducted technical sessions on financial management for effective governance of cooperative societies, interpretation of financial statements, banking and credit operations, and digital transformation in cooperatives.      

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Khandu, Mein congratulate Himanta on taking oath as Assam CM for second term

ITANAGAR : Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Tuesday congratulated Himanta Biswa Sarma on taking oath as the CM of Assam, and stated that the pace of development across the Northeast would accelerate further under his leadership. Khandu said he was truly excited and optimistic that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the new leadership in Assam, development in the Northeastern region would reach greater heights. “May this new journey bring progress, prosperity, connectivity, and renewed opportunities for the people of Assam and the entire Northeastern region. Wishing him a successful and impactful tenure ahead,” he said in a social media post. Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein also congratulated Sarma, expressing confidence that the NDA government under his leadership would usher in unprecedented development and growth in Assam. “Heartiest congratulations and best wishes to Dr Himanta Biswa ji on taking oath as the Chief Minister of Assam for the second term,” he said in a social media post. “I am confident that under your dynamic leadership, NDA Govt will bring in unprecedented development and growth in Assam,” he added. Mein, who attended the swearing-in ceremony in Guwahati, also congratulated the members of the new Assam cabinet. “I also congratulate all the Cabinet Ministers of the new Govt in Assam,” he said. Sarma was sworn in as the chief minister of Assam for the second consecutive term, marking the formation of the third BJP-led NDA government in a row in the northeastern state. Along with Sarma, four legislators, BJP leaders Rameshwar Teli and Ajanta Neog, AGP’s Atul Bora and BPF MLA Charan Boro, also took oath as ministers. (Source: PTI)      

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NE woman’s assault in Delhi: Meghalaya CM calls for stringent action against accused

SHILLONG : Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Tuesday expressed concerns over the alleged assault of a woman from the Northeast in Delhi and called for stringent legal action against the accused. He condemned the alleged physical and racial harassment faced by the woman from Assam. “Such repeated acts of violence and discrimination cannot be dismissed as isolated incidents and must be met with the strictest punishment under the law,” Sangma said in a post on X. Two women, one from Assam and the other from Bihar, were allegedly molested and assaulted by a group of men outside a hotel in southeast Delhi’s Nehru Place, the Delhi Police said on Monday, adding that all four suspects involved in the incident have been detained. The incident occurred around 6.30 am on May 10, near a tea stall outside the hotel. Sangma also urged the authorities to take immediate action against those involved and ensure the safety and dignity of people from the Northeast residing in different parts of the country. “Racial discrimination and violence against people from the Northeast have no place in our society and must be dealt with firmly,” the chief minister added. (Source: PTI)            

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Himanta takes oath as Assam CM

GUWAHATI : Himanta Biswa Sarma was sworn in as the chief minister of Assam for the second consecutive term on Tuesday, marking the formation of the third BJP-led NDA government in a row in the northeastern state. Four MLAs – BJP’s Rameshwar Teli and Ajanta Neog, AGP’s Atul Bora, Charan Boro of BPF – also took oath as ministers. Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya administered the oath of office to Sarma and the four legislators at a grand ceremony held at the Veterinary Ground in Khanapara area in Guwahati. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union ministers Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, Sarbananda Sonowal, Pabitra Margherita, chief ministers and deputy CMs of BJP-ruled states and BJP president Nitin Nabin were present at the swearing-in ceremony. The chief minister, attired in dhoti and kurta with the traditional ‘gamosa’ draped around his neck, took oath in the Assamese language. Three of the four legislators – Teli, Bora and Neog – also took their oath in Assamese, while the BPF minister took it in the Bodo language. The Prime Minister congratulated Sarma and the ministers after they were sworn in. After the oath-taking ceremony was over, the PM greeted the people and those present on the dais before leaving the venue. “With the blessings of Maa Kamakhya, Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardev and the people of Assam, I took oath as the chief minister. Along with the council of ministers, we look forward to serving our people and continue to fulfil all their aspirations,” Sarma said in a post on X. Earlier, in a social media post, he said Assam will scale new heights of development in the coming days with their blessings. “Honoured to reaffirm my oath to the people of Assam as their Mukhya Sevak,” he said. Neog, Bora and Boro were members of Sarma’s first cabinet, while Teli, a former Union minister, returned to state politics. Neog was the finance minister, while Bora took care of the agriculture department and Boro held the transport department in the outgoing government. The NDA won a record 102 seats of the 126-member assembly, including the BJP’s 82 constituencies. The BJP allies, the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and the Bodoland Peoples’ Front (BPF), bagged 10 seats each. (Source: PTI)

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Two NSCN cadres killed in gunfight

CHANGLANG : Two suspected NSCN cadres were killed in an encounter with Assam Rifles in Changlang district, after security forces launched a counter-insurgency operation based on inputs about the movement of armed insurgents allegedly involved in extortion activities, police said on Tuesday. Changlang Superintendent of Police Kirli Padu said that the 8th Assam Rifles unit at Miao received specific inputs on Monday, regarding the presence and movement of armed NSCN cadres in the general area of Songking village and adjoining locations for extortion from villagers. Acting on the intelligence, Assam Rifles launched a counter-insurgency operation in the area. At around 8:30 pm, the security forces reportedly noticed movement of around 12 to 13 armed cadres near Duimukh Nallah. When challenged by security personnel, the insurgents allegedly opened fire, prompting retaliation by the Assam Rifles in self-defence, the SP said. Following the exchange of fire and subsequent search operation, security forces recovered two unidentified bodies of insurgents along with arms and war-like stores from the area. The deceased were later identified as self-styled Lt Col Umkong and self-styled Sgt Enu, the SP said. Police from Miao Police Station subsequently reached the spot and brought the bodies along with the recovered arms and ammunition. Items recovered during the operation included one 5.56 mm rifle, one AK rifle, a pistol, four magazines, 207 live rounds of ammunition of different calibres, one launcher round, one live hand grenade, a radio set and four torches. A case has been registered at Miao Police Station under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, and the Arms Act, and further investigation is underway, the SP added. (Source: PTI)