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Staff Reporter ITANAGAR, OCT 9: The Arunachal Pradesh Primary Teachers Association (APrTA) on Friday urged the state government to exempt in-service primary teachers from the mandatory Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) and conduct Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) meetings regularly in accordance with Cabinet approval. In a press conference held at the Arunachal Press Club (APC) here, APrTA president Takar Dada informed that the association in a representation submitted to the state Education Minister, wherein it stated the mandatory TET requirement has created anxiety among in-service primary teachers, many of whom may be unable to appear for the examination due to various reasons. The association cited the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly’s resolution passed on September 24, 2026, seeking exemption from TET for in-service teachers appointed before October 31, 2019. It also referred to a unanimous resolution adopted by the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly seeking an amendment to the Right to Education Act to permanently exempt teachers appointed before August 23, 2010, from the TET requirement. APrTA urged the state government to examine the matter and provide appropriate relief to in-service teachers. It said that if a similar policy adopted by other states was not feasible, the government could consider granting a one-time relaxation through the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) or filing a review petition before the Supreme Court against the order. The association also raised concerns over the implementation of the Marnya Ete Committee’s recommendations on the appointment of head teachers at the upper primary school level and senior-most trained graduate teachers at the upper primary level, along with senior-most primary teachers at the primary level. It alleged that the department’s failure to implement the recommendations had caused prejudice to deserving teachers and urged the government to intervene to ensure that established rules and notifications were followed. Further, APrTA expressed concern over the non-conduct of DPC meetings despite clear Cabinet approval for holding them twice a year. It said the association’s file had remained pending at the Commissioner’s office for the past three years. The association urged the government to ensure regular DPC meetings so that senior and deserving teachers could receive their due promotions without further delay. APrTA expressed hope that the state government would address the grievances of primary teachers and take necessary steps to resolve the issues.  

ITANAGAR, OCT 9: The Planning and Investment Department of the Arunachal Pradesh government has cautioned the public against fraudsters allegedly soliciting money, commissions or bribes in the name of department officials on the false pretext of securing approval for government schemes and programmes or the release of funds. The department has advised members of the public, community organisations, contractors and beneficiaries not to fall for such claims or make payments, transfer funds, share banking credentials or hand over cash to anyone promising official approval, favourable consideration or expedited processing. It warned that fraudsters may use false assurances, fabricated documents, unofficial identity cards, forged signatures or claims of special access to mislead people and collect illegal gratification. The department said information regarding government schemes and programmes should be verified only through official communications and directly with the Planning and Investment Department. Any demand for money, gifts, favours or commissions in exchange for sanction or processing should be treated as suspicious and potentially unlawful under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and other applicable Central and State laws. Citizens have been urged to preserve relevant evidence, including phone numbers, messages, screenshots, bank account details, receipts, documents, and the date and place of contact. Anyone receiving such a demand or having information about an attempted fraud has been asked to report it immediately to the jurisdictional police station, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) through WhatsApp at 9436040040, or the Planning and Investment Department. The department said prompt reporting would help verify complaints, prevent further victimisation and initiate action in accordance with the law. It added that all complaints would be treated confidentially. The press release also stated that the State Government had operationalised the Lokayukta, upgraded the Anti-Corruption Bureau and introduced e-Office across all departments to promote transparency and accountability in government functioning. The government remains committed to taking further measures to strengthen its efforts against corruption and fraud.  

PASIGHAT, OCT 9: Contemporary Hindi poetry cannot be confined to a single ideology and should be viewed as a form of resistance that challenges dominant cultural practices, said Dr Arundhati, assistant professor at Satyawati College, University of Delhi, during a special lecture at Arunachal Pradesh University (APU) on Friday. The lecture on contemporary Hindi poetry and feminist discourse was organised by the Department of Hindi, APU, in collaboration with the Central Hindi Directorate under the Ministry of Education, Government of India, as part of its Pradhyapak Vyakhyan Mala programme. Tracing the evolution of contemporary poetry from the Renaissance, Arundhati said poets across generations continued to shape the literary landscape by sensitively capturing diverse life experiences, including their smallest nuances. Focusing on women’s voices in contemporary poetry, she referred to poets such as Katyayani and Anamika to discuss women’s expression, identity and position in society. She also highlighted the contributions of Adivasi writers and the lived experiences reflected in their works. “Women’s liberation is not limited to women alone but is closely linked to the liberation of society as a whole,” she said, adding that feminism contributes to building a more equal and sensitive society. Contemporary poetry, she observed, seeks to articulate the complexities of multiple realities while resisting market-driven values. Welcoming the speaker, programme coordinator Nanang Yirang, assistant professor (guest faculty), said the lecture would help MA Hindi students gain a deeper understanding of their syllabus and explore the subject through expert insights. During the interactive session, research scholars and students engaged with the speaker. Arundhati encouraged them to create platforms for creative expression and incorporate Arunachal Pradesh’s experiences, cultural sensibilities and local realities into Hindi poetry. Head of the Department of Hindi Dr Ing Perme thanked the speaker for explaining curricular themes in a simple and comprehensive manner and expressed the department’s intention to organise more such lectures to broaden students’ academic exposure. The programme concluded with research scholars and postgraduate students presenting their original poems and songs.    

LONGDING, OCT 9: A traditional sports competition under the Seva Sankalp Utsav was held at the General Ground in Longding headquarters on Friday, with enthusiastic participation from teams representing various panchayat blocks of the district. BJP Longding district president Chemnga Wangpan attended the event as the chief guest. Teams deputed by respective Zilla Panchayat Members (ZPMs) competed in six traditional sporting disciplines: tug of war for boys and girls, bamboo archery, gulli danda, bamboo climbing, Dali Haka Hinam and bamboo sticks running. The participants showcased their sporting skills, teamwork and competitive spirit while celebrating the region’s indigenous sporting traditions. Addressing the gathering, Wangpan appreciated the initiative, stating that traditional sports play an important role in preserving cultural heritage and passing indigenous games on to future generations. He also highlighted their role in promoting physical fitness, discipline, unity and team spirit among young people. Urging the younger generation to remain connected to their cultural roots, he called for collective efforts to preserve and promote indigenous traditions. He also appreciated the ZPMs, village authorities, participants and organising committee for their contributions. The competition concluded with the felicitation of winners, who received trophies and certificates.  

NAMSAI, OCT 8: The Department of Sports and Youth Affairs organised a street play under the Namo Seva Sankalp Utsav and Namo Seva Ankahi Kahani initiative at Gandhi Chowk in Namsai on Friday, with the participation of public representatives, officials and local residents. The programme was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, Namsai MLA Chau Zingnu Namchoom, Dambuk MLA Puinnyo Apum and Youth Affairs Director Ramesh Lingi, among other dignitaries. Also present were State In-charge Devesh Kumar, State President Kaling Moyong, State Convenor of Namo Seva Ankahi Kahani Duggoli Libang, Namsai Zilla Parishad Chairperson (ZPC) Chow Sujana Namchoom, Lohit ZPC Basanlu Dellang, Zilla Parishad Members (ZPMs) from Lekang and Piyong, heads of departments in Namsai and other officials. The programme began with a welcome address by District President Ong Maio, followed by the felicitation of the state team and national- and state-level awardees. Addressing the gathering, Mein appreciated the initiative and highlighted the achievements of the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in areas including infrastructure development, digital transformation, financial inclusion, women’s empowerment, rural development, healthcare and education. He also commended the organisers and participants for using street theatre as an effective medium to connect with the public. The highlight of the event was a performance by the Namo Seva Ankahi Kahani street-play team, which conveyed the message of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Prayas” and highlighted grassroots transformation and the aspirations of a New India. The team was felicitated in recognition of its participation and efforts to take the initiative’s message to the grassroots.  

YUPIA, OCT 9: Papum Pare district has intensified surveillance and coordinated enforcement against drug trafficking and substance abuse, with a rise in cases registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and arrests in recent years, officials said during a monthly Narcotics Coordination (NCORD) Committee meeting at the DC Conference Hall here on Friday. The meeting was chaired by Papum Pare Deputy Commissioner Mamu Hage, who stressed that sustained prevention, awareness and coordinated enforcement must ultimately lead to a reduction in drug-related offences. According to district data, NDPS cases increased from one in 2019 to a peak in 2025, while eight cases were registered up to October 8, 2026. Arrests rose from two in 2019 to 29 in 2025, with nine arrests recorded up to October 8 this year. The district reported a total of 97 arrests during the period under review. Hage observed that the increase in cases and arrests could reflect intensified surveillance and enforcement. Reviewing action taken on decisions from previous meetings, she directed the District Medical Officer to ensure that Addiction Treatment Facilities (ATFs) in hospitals become operational within two months to strengthen treatment and support for people affected by substance abuse. She also called for coordinated efforts by the Education, Health, and Women and Child Development departments to expand awareness and outreach, particularly among students and young people. Inspections of shops near schools and anti-drug awareness activities in educational institutions were also reviewed. Lady Inspector Michi Yania presented key provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985, district-level case statistics and a mapping of vulnerable locations and routes reportedly used for drug trafficking. Additional Superintendent of Police Moyir Basar called for collective action by all stakeholders to curb drug abuse and strengthen enforcement. Deputy Director of Integrated Child Development Services Jaya Taba, Child Development Project Officers of Doimukh, Balijan and Kimin, representatives of rehabilitation centres, Railway Police Force personnel and other officials attended the meeting. The district administration reiterated its focus on enforcement, prevention, treatment and public awareness to address substance abuse and protect young people. (DIPR)  

JAIRAMPUR, OCT 9: A 108 Emergency Ambulance Service team safely delivered a healthy baby girl inside a moving ambulance while transporting a pregnant woman from Community Health Centre (CHC) Jairampur to Mayflower Hospital on Friday morning. The woman was being referred to the hospital due to delivery-related complications and hypertension when her labour progressed rapidly in the forested stretch between Jairampur and Jagun. At around 7.30 am, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Roicho Mossang and ambulance pilot Ismail Kingbo assisted in the delivery. The newborn weighed 2.8 kg and scored 9 out of 10 in the Apgar assessment, indicating a reassuring initial condition. The EMT provided essential newborn care, while the team ensured post-delivery care for the mother. Both were subsequently taken safely to Mayflower Hospital for further assessment and medical attention. The incident highlights the role of the 108 Emergency Ambulance Service in providing timely pre-hospital care, particularly during obstetric emergencies in remote areas. The free 108 ambulance service, operated by EMRI Green Health Services, formerly GVK EMRI, was launched in Arunachal Pradesh on June 21, 2021, by Chief Minister Pema Khandu. Since its launch, the service has assisted more than 40,000 people across the state, including over 318 childbirth-related cases, with 221 deliveries conducted inside ambulances, according to the service provider. The service operates round the clock across the state, with emergency medical technicians and pilots providing assistance during medical emergencies.  

Staff Reporter ITANAGAR, OCT 8: The Arunachal Pradesh Indigenous Youth Organisation (APIYO) has sought an immediate inquiry into the alleged transfer of 4,794 sq metres of government-leased land at A-Sector, Naharlagun, and demanded cancellation of the allotment and resumption of the land if the transfer is found to be in violation of rules. Addressing reporters at the Arunachal Press Club (APC) here on Thursday, APIYO president Taro Sonam Liyak informed that in a representation submitted to the Deputy Commissioner (DC), Itanagar Capital Region, APIYO alleged that the State Government had leased around 4,794 sq metres of land at A-Sector, Naharlagun, for establishing and running a saw mill at an annual lease rent of approximately Rs 1,43,382 in favour of late Gyan Singh. The organisation claimed that following the demise of Gyan Singh, the leased property was allegedly gifted/transferred in 2022 in favour of Toko Yazo by his three sons, Attar Singh, Bidhi Singh and Harjit Singh. Questioning the legality of the alleged transfer, Sonam said government-leased land cannot be gifted, transferred or otherwise alienated to a third party without prior permission or approval of the competent government authority, and alleged that the recipients were neither the legal heirs nor nominees of the original lessee. The organisation further claimed that the three sons had subsequently left the place after the alleged transfer of the land. APIYO has urged the DC to conduct an immediate inquiry into the present status and possession of the land and verify the original lease deed, its terms and conditions and the purpose for which the land was allotted. It also sought examination of the legality and validity of the alleged 2022 transfer and demanded cancellation or revocation of the allotment/lease if it was found to be in violation of applicable rules and conditions. The organisation further appealed for resumption of the land in favour of the government and restoration of government possession as per law, besides appropriate action against anyone found responsible for unauthorized transfer, occupation or misuse of government land. Describing the matter as one involving valuable government land within the Capital Region, APIYO called for immediate verification and appropriate action in the interest of protecting government property. The organisation said that if no appropriate action is initiated, it would be constrained to pursue the matter before the competent authority or appropriate legal forum.