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ITANAGAR, AUG 19: The Gauhati High Court has struck down a provision of an Arunachal Pradesh law that empowered the minister in-charge of Urban Local Bodies to hear appeals against decisions of the State Election Commissioner in municipal defection cases, holding that such an arrangement fails to ensure an independent and impartial adjudicatory forum. A division bench of Justices Kardak Ete and Budi Habung, however, upheld the provision allowing the Chief Secretary to function as the appellate authority under the Arunachal Pradesh Urban Local Bodies (Disqualification on Grounds of Defection) Act, 2014. The judgment, pronounced on August 18, came on a writ petition filed by three elected councillors of the Pasighat Municipal Council – Ponung Radeng Saring, Yalop Nyigang Yomso and Rebeka Panyang. The petitioners had challenged the constitutional validity of sub-sections (1) and (2) of Section 6 of the Act after the Chief Secretary issued a notice on December 11, 2024, asking them to appear in Appeal No. 01/2024. They, however, did not challenge the notice or the proceedings arising from it. Under Section 6, an appeal against a decision of the State Election Commissioner in matters of disqualification on grounds of defection lies before the Chief Secretary. The proviso stipulated that if the Chief Secretary was also functioning as the State Election Commissioner, the appeal would lie before the minister in-charge of Urban Local Bodies. The court drew a distinction between the two appellate authorities, observing that the Chief Secretary, while exercising jurisdiction under the Act, acts under a statutory mandate and is required to decide the appeal in accordance with the law and principles of natural justice. The minister in-charge, on the other hand, is a member of the elected political executive and is responsible for administration of the department concerned, the bench noted. It said conferring jurisdiction over cases involving disqualification of elected representatives on a member of the political executive creates a “reasonable apprehension” regarding the institutional impartiality of the appellate forum. The court said the issue was not whether a particular minister would necessarily act unfairly or misuse the power, but concerned the institutional design of the appellate mechanism. “An adjudicatory mechanism must not only be fair in fact but must also be structured in a manner which inspires confidence in its independence and impartiality,” the bench observed. Noting that defection proceedings could directly affect the continuance of elected representatives in office and the composition of elected local bodies, the court said the appellate forum must assure parties that disputes would be decided on statutory provisions and material before it rather than political or administrative considerations. Applying the doctrine of severability, the court held that the constitutional infirmity was confined to the proviso empowering the minister and that the remaining appellate mechanism could operate independently. It accordingly declared unconstitutional and struck down the proviso to Section 6(1) to the extent that it provided for an appeal before the minister in-charge of Urban Local Bodies. The bench upheld the remaining portion of Section 6(1), providing for an appeal before the Chief Secretary, as well as Section 6(2), which prescribes the procedure for the appellate authority. The court also rejected the broader contention that a decision of the State Election Commissioner could only be subjected to judicial review and not to a statutory appeal. It held that judicial review under Articles 226 and 227 of the Constitution and a statutory appeal operate in different fields, and the existence of an appellate remedy does not exclude or dilute the constitutional jurisdiction of the High Court. Senior advocate T T Tara, assisted by G Bam, appeared for the petitioners, while Advocate General I Chowdhury represented the state respondents. The state had argued that the legislature was competent under Entry 5 of List II of the Seventh Schedule to enact laws concerning local government and that an executive authority could exercise quasi-judicial functions when empowered by statute. The court clarified that it had not examined the legality or merits of Appeal No. 01/2024 or the December 2024 notice issued by the Chief Secretary. The writ petition was consequently partly allowed, with the challenge to Sections 6(1) and 6(2) rejected except for the proviso giving appellate power to the minister. (Source: NewsFY)    

ITANAGAR, AUG 19: The Arunachal Publishers & Broadcasters Guild (APBG) on Wednesday urged the state government to remove or transfer state CAMPA chief executive officer Vineet Kumar Jawal, IFS, within seven days, citing an alleged conflict of interest arising from a departmental enquiry into CAMPA works implemented during his earlier tenure as a Divisional Forest Officer. In a representation addressed to the chief secretary, APBG president Chopa Cheda said Jawal’s continuation as CEO of the State Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) raised questions of “administrative propriety and public confidence” as allegations relating to works executed during his tenure as DFO of Khellong Forest Division were under scrutiny. According to the representation, complaints had been raised over implementation of NPV and compensatory afforestation works under the State CAMPA APO 2020-21 at several locations in Pakke Kessang district. The Guild said State CAMPA had taken cognisance of the complaint in August 2024, describing it as “very serious in nature” and directed the Chief Conservator of Forests, WAC, Banderdewa, to conduct a fact-finding enquiry and identify officials responsible if lapses were detected. The original complaint alleged irregularities involving around Rs 89.89 lakh and claimed that plantation activities had been shown as implemented and paid for despite villagers allegedly being unaware of such works. The Guild stressed that the claims remained allegations subject to determination by the competent enquiry. Citing an official field inspection report dated April 22, 2025, Cheda said no plantation was found at Taal Chiya, while natural vegetation but no sign of artificial plantation was recorded at Sakum. Plantation grounding could also not be established at several other locations, including Rupung Geka, Bodha Geka and Fenye Happa, according to the representation. The Guild further claimed that around 213 hectares of AR/ANR plantation works under Namorah Range were sanctioned under CAMPA AOP 2020-21 at an outlay of approximately Rs 85 lakh, while material cited in the representation allegedly recorded zero physical execution. The Guild said it was not seeking to prejudge the guilt or innocence of the officer but questioned whether a person whose earlier role in CAMPA works was reportedly under examination should continue to head the institution administering the schemes and records connected with the scrutiny. Besides seeking Jawal’s removal or transfer within seven days, the Guild demanded preservation of all relevant records, an independent and time-bound enquiry, fixing of responsibility wherever lapses are established and publication of the enquiry outcome and action taken. It warned that in the absence of a satisfactory response within the stipulated period, it would consider “appropriate democratic and lawful courses of action” and approach competent authorities. CEO Jawal could not be contacted for his comments on the matter.      

TAWANG, AUG 19: In a significant gesture aimed at supporting education and community welfare, Lumla MLA Tsering Lhamu donated a new utility vehicle to Guru Tanpei Dronme School at Birpur in West Kameng district, an institution established and guided by renowned Buddhist spiritual leader and Padma Shri awardee Guru Tulku Rinpoche. The vehicle was formally handed over to representatives of the institution in a move expected to strengthen the school’s transportation and outreach capabilities. Guru Tanpei Dronme School, functioning under the vision of Guru Tulku Rinpoche, is dedicated to providing quality education while nurturing ethical values, cultural heritage and spiritual learning among young students. The institution is regarded as an important centre for holistic education in the region, blending modern academics with the rich traditions of the Himalayan Buddhist heritage. The school members described the donation as a meaningful contribution that would directly benefit students, teachers and school management in carrying out educational and community-related activities more effectively. The philanthropic gesture is consistent with Tsering Lhamu’s long-standing commitment to education, social welfare and religious institutions. A postgraduate by qualification and widely known for her social work, the Lumla MLA has over the years supported numerous initiatives aimed at empowering students and preserving the region’s cultural and spiritual legacy. Among her notable contributions is the institution of the Late Jambey Tashi Academic Scholarship in memory of her late husband and former Lumla MLA Jambey Tashi, through which meritorious students have been encouraged and rewarded for academic excellence. She has also been actively associated with educational initiatives across the constituency, including support for libraries, schools and student welfare programmes. Lhamu has additionally extended support to monasteries and religious institutions in the region, recognising their role not only as centres of faith but also as institutions that preserve indigenous knowledge, culture and moral values. Her earlier assistance to monastic establishments, including support towards transportation and community welfare activities linked to monasteries, has earned appreciation from both religious leaders and the public. The donation also highlights the enduring partnership between social leaders and spiritual institutions in Arunachal Pradesh, where education is increasingly viewed not merely as academic advancement but as a means of nurturing responsible, compassionate and culturally rooted citizens. (Source: Mon Tawang Vigilance)    

KOLORIANG, AUG 17: The first meeting of the District Level Steering Committee (DLSC) for the Lakhpati Didi Initiative in Kurung Kumey district was held at the DC Conference Hall, Mini Secretariat, Koloriang, on Wednesday, with the district administration calling for greater convergence among departments to economically empower rural women. The meeting was chaired by Kurung Kumey Deputy Commissioner Cheechung Chukhu and convened by the District Mission Management Unit (DMMU), Ziro, of the Arunachal State Rural Livelihoods Mission (ArSRLM), following directions of the Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department. Zilla Parishad members, Panchayati Raj representatives, heads of Agriculture, Horticulture, Rural Development and Planning departments, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) officials, Cluster Level Federation (CLF) representatives, Lakhpati Didi beneficiaries and officials of DMMU Ziro and the Block Mission Management Units (BMMUs) of Kurung Kumey attended the meeting. Presenting the district’s progress, DMMU Ziro District Thematic Coordinator (Livelihood) Nyakni Hai highlighted the need to bridge the livelihood and convergence gaps faced by Self-Help Group (SHG) members identified as potential Lakhpati Didis. He urged line departments to provide maximum convergence support through applicable schemes, subsidies, technical training, capacity building, financial linkages, grading and sorting facilities, market access and infrastructure. Hai called for coordinated and time-bound departmental interventions under the DLSC to help identified SHG members achieve sustainable annual household incomes of Rs 1 lakh or more. Deputy Commissioner Cheechung Chukhu endorsed the appeal and directed line departments to extend eligible schemes and support to SHG members on priority. The committee discussed convergence possibilities under ongoing schemes, including agriculture support, fruit-processing and pickle-making units, vermicompost production and Custom Hiring Centres. The meeting also discussed the potential and challenges of drone-based agriculture, including its high investment requirement and the need for operator training. Livelihood infrastructure support under VB-G and RAM-G was also discussed for market and vermicompost projects through village and Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP) processes. KVK representatives highlighted the importance of field-level data, farmer feedback, frontline demonstrations and stronger coordination with SHGs for effective research and extension. Members also discussed value addition, improved drying and processing techniques, packaging, crop disease management, food processing and high-altitude crop trials suited to the district. District Planning Officer apprised the committee of possible funding avenues under the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF), NABARD, North Eastern Council and other Ministry schemes for addressing livelihood and infrastructure gaps. Zilla Parishad members stressed the need for CLF leaders to share SHG priorities with Panchayati Raj representatives ahead of GPDP and Gram Sabha processes to ensure their inclusion in grassroots planning. The committee decided to hold DLSC review meetings quarterly to monitor progress. The Deputy Commissioner reiterated the district administration’s commitment to achieving the Lakhpati Didi targets through sustained inter-departmental convergence and economic empowerment of rural women.      

BOMDILA, AUG 19: West Kameng Deputy Commissioner Dr Dilip Kumar reviewed the progress of e-KYC under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, for beneficiaries covered through Fair Price Shops (FPSs) in West Kameng and Bichom districts at a meeting held at the DC’s Conference Hall here on Tuesday. The DC stressed the need for expediting the exercise and improving the district’s performance. According to the ePOS portal, e-KYC coverage in the district stood at 56 per cent as of August 19. West Kameng District Food and Civil Supplies Officer briefed the meeting on the importance of e-KYC and presented circle-wise progress. FPS owners from different areas also shared updates and field-level challenges. A major concern raised was the absence of Aadhaar cards among some beneficiaries, particularly elderly persons. Responding to the issue, Dr Kumar said Aadhaar was important for accessing various government welfare schemes and assured that targeted enrolment and integration drives would be undertaken. He also urged FPS owners to sensitise villagers and facilitate Aadhaar enrolment. FPS owners also reported difficulties in biometric authentication, particularly among farmers whose fingerprints have become rough or scarred due to regular agricultural work. The Deputy Commissioner directed FPS owners to keep water and handwash available at FPS outlets to improve fingerprint authentication. The meeting also discussed discrepancies between data displayed on ePOS machines and the SmartPDS portal. Officials informed that the National Informatics Centre (NIC) was working to resolve the technical issues. Concerns were also raised over non-allocation of foodgrains against revised feeding strengths reflected on SmartPDS, which has affected the issuance of BPL ration cards and awareness among newly approved beneficiaries. The DC directed FPS owners to intensify awareness campaigns and encourage beneficiaries to complete mandatory e-KYC at the earliest. He said necessary action could be initiated against beneficiaries who fail to complete the process within the stipulated period. To encourage timely completion, Dr Kumar announced that a certificate of appreciation would be presented on Republic Day 2027 to the first FPS owner achieving 100 per cent e-KYC coverage. The meeting concluded with officials and FPS owners reaffirming their commitment to expediting the process and ensuring coverage of all eligible beneficiaries under the NFSA. (DIPR)      

Mingkeng Osik PASIGHAT, AUG 19: The facelifted Mahindra Scorpio-N was unveiled at Iconic Automobiles in the Saw Mill Area here on Tuesday, drawing automobile enthusiasts, customers and local dignitaries. Bogong Banggo Kebang (BBK) president Basalung Jamoh attended the event as chief guest and spoke about his long association with the Mahindra brand as a customer. “I came here as a customer, not as a Chief Guest,” Jamoh said, emphasising the importance of maintaining a strong relationship between automobile companies, dealers and customers. Jamoh appreciated the discipline and professionalism of the Iconic Automobiles team and its regular communication with customers regarding new vehicle launches and developments. Recalling Mahindra’s journey in the Indian automobile industry, he highlighted the company’s contribution to developing vehicles suited to Indian roads and conditions. He referred to the launch of the Mahindra Scorpio in 2002 and the popularity of models such as the Scorpio, Bolero and Thar over the years. Jamoh said Mahindra’s understanding of Indian customers and diverse road conditions had helped establish the brand among Indian motorists. He described the company’s journey as reflective of Indian engineering and aspirations. He also stressed that customer service should extend beyond vehicle sales, with communication, discipline and after-sales support playing an important role in building long-term customer trust. The Scorpio-N facelift was showcased as an evolution of the existing model while retaining the rugged character and road presence associated with the Scorpio name. The event was also attended by Deputy Chief Councillor Kamin Lego, Councillor Rahul Tamuk and All East Siang District Students’ Union (ADISU) vice-president Bolen Pertin. The programme concluded with appreciation for the efforts of Iconic Automobiles in strengthening its relationship with customers and the local automobile community.      

LEMMI, AUG 19: Effective inter-district coordination between the police teams of Lemmi and Seppa led to the apprehension of an absconding suspect at Lemmi. Acting on intelligence inputs received from the Officer-in-Charge of Seppa Police Station, the Lemmi Police team promptly set up a naka and apprehended the accused. The suspect was wanted in Seppa Police Station Case No. 58/2026, registered under Sections 118(2) and 109(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) on August 12, 2026. The apprehended accused was subsequently handed over to the Investigating Officer of Seppa Police Station for further legal proceedings. The successful operation highlighted the importance of prompt information-sharing and coordination between police units in apprehending wanted persons.