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LIKABALI : Around 450 people participated in a bike rally organised at Likabali on Tuesday as part of the nationwide Har Ghar Tiranga campaign being observed across Lower Siang district since August 9. The rally was organised by the Lower Siang Police in collaboration with the District Administration, Department of Art and Culture and Information and Public Relations Department (IPR), Lower Siang, to promote patriotism, national pride and unity, particularly among the youth. The rally was flagged off from Likabali Police Station by ITBP Sector DIG Likabali Naresh Shaukand and Likabali ADC Mokar Riba in the presence of heads of departments, representatives of various organisations, personnel of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Arunachal Pradesh Police, General Reserve Engineer Force (GREF), Arunachal Pradesh Women Police Welfare Wing (AAPWW) and members of the public. Covering around 4.5 km through Likabali, the rally saw participants carrying the National Flag and raising patriotic slogans, creating an atmosphere of enthusiasm and national pride. Addressing the participants, Shaukand urged the youth to contribute actively to nation-building and uphold the values of patriotism, unity and responsibility. Highlighting the significance of the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign, he encouraged citizens to proudly display the Tricolour and participate in activities promoting national unity. The enthusiastic participation of security personnel, youth groups and various organisations reflected the collective spirit of the people of Lower Siang in celebrating patriotism and national unity. The event concluded with the message, “Har Ghar Tiranga, Har Dil Tiranga,” encouraging citizens to make the Tricolour a symbol of collective participation in the campaign. (DIPR)  

THRIZINO : A joint review meeting of the Sub-Divisional Level Monitoring Committee (SDLMC) and Constituency Level Monitoring Committee (CLMC) for the 06-Thrizino-Buragaon (ST) Assembly Constituency was held at Thrizino headquarters on Tuesday to assess the progress of ongoing development schemes and infrastructure projects. The meeting was jointly chaired by Thrizino-Buragaon MLA Tenzin Nyima Glow and West Kameng Deputy Commissioner Dilip Kumar. West Kameng Superintendent of Police Dr DW Thungon, Thrizino ADC, Singchung ADC, Buragaon Assistant Commissioner, Circle Officers of Thrizino and Singchung, heads of departments, Zilla Parishad Members (ZPMs), Gram Panchayat Chairpersons (GPCs) and community and youth leaders attended the meeting. The progress of development schemes and infrastructure projects being implemented by more than 10 departments across the constituency was reviewed. The DC stressed adherence to quality standards in all public works and directed executing agencies to ensure accountability and timely completion of projects. He urged the community to develop a sense of ownership towards public assets and infrastructure. Kumar also called for strict compliance with the Solid Waste Management Rules and reiterated the prohibition on single-use plastics and plastic bottles with a capacity of less than two litres. MLA Tenzin Nyima Glow reaffirmed his commitment to the overall development of the constituency and urged Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) members to accord priority to projects of public importance. He called upon departments to maintain close coordination with PRI representatives and the public for effective implementation of development activities. As a gesture of support to the local administration, Glow announced that he would donate a vehicle to the Thrizino administration from his personal funds. Later, the MLA and DC inspected several ongoing infrastructure projects, including a badminton court at Thrizino, a two-room extension of the Primary Health Centre, the Public Works Department (PWD) Division Office building and a school building at NSCBAV, Subu. They also interacted with players participating in the 7 Dragons Football Tournament at Subu and encouraged the youth to uphold sportsmanship and maintain a healthy and disciplined lifestyle. They also stressed the importance of staying away from drug abuse. (DIPR)  

PASIGHAT : Arunachal Pradesh University’s (APU) Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) conducted an orientation programme for newly inducted guest faculty and teaching assistants on Tuesday on the theme “Campus Professionalism and Classroom Management.” Addressing the gathering, APU Vice Chancellor (In-Charge) Dr Milorai Modi stressed the central role of the teaching-learning process and the contribution of teachers to social development. He urged faculty members to inspire students and adopt modern teaching methods to remain effective in a changing academic environment. Describing the university as an “incubation centre for innovation and research”, Modi called upon the workforce to contribute towards achieving academic excellence. University Registrar Narmi Darang welcomed the new faculty and highlighted the university’s achievements and areas requiring improvement during its first three years. He sought their cooperation in making the campus more vibrant and encouraged them to pursue academic activities for their professional growth. He also informed that 54 new departments are proposed to be added over the next decade. IQAC Director and organising chairman Prof PC Jena outlined the objectives of the orientation programme, saying it was aimed at familiarising the new faculty with the university’s academic culture, quality benchmarks and expectations of classroom professionalism. He stressed that sustained quality assurance depended on the commitment of every faculty member and expressed hope that the programme would facilitate the smooth integration of the new inductees into the university’s teaching-learning framework. Controller of Examinations Dr Monshi Tayeng shared insights from his 25-year academic career, from his stint as guest faculty at Jawaharlal Nehru College, Pasighat, to his present position at the state’s lone university. He urged the new faculty to strengthen the teaching-learning process by building healthy relationships with students, senior faculty and the administration. He also highlighted the relevance of the university’s Prospectus, APU Act 2023 and APU Ordinance 2023. Dean of Student Welfare Dr Eli Doye emphasised the role of faculty beyond the classroom and urged them to remain approachable and sensitive to students’ concerns. He called for close coordination between the new faculty and the Student Welfare Office to address student needs and support their overall well-being. Heads of departments, teaching faculty and newly inducted guest faculty and teaching assistants attended the programme.  

LIKABALI : A meeting of the District Planning Committee (DPC) for finalisation of the Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs) and Zilla Parishad Development Plan (ZPDP) of Lower Siang district was held at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall, Likabali, on Tuesday. The meeting was chaired by Lower Siang Deputy Commissioner Gobi Nyicyor in the presence of District Panchayat and Development Officer (DPDO) Mokar Riba, Zilla Parishad Chairperson Pakmo Koyu and all Zilla Parishad Members (ZPMs). The meeting brought together members of the Lower Siang Zilla Parishad, ZPMs, Member Secretaries, district planning officials and heads of departments for detailed deliberations on the proposed development plans. Concerned Member Secretaries presented the GPDPs of their respective Gram Panchayats through PowerPoint presentations. The committee deliberated on development priorities with emphasis on participatory planning, convergence of schemes and effective utilisation of available resources to ensure balanced and inclusive development across the district. The meeting also deliberated on the ZPDP, incorporating development priorities and requirements identified by the Zilla Parishad and Panchayati Raj Institutions. Addressing the gathering, Nyicyor stressed the importance of need-based, inclusive and sustainable planning and urged stakeholders to ensure that the development plans reflected the genuine needs and aspirations of people at the grassroots level. DPDO Mokar Riba emphasised close coordination and convergence between the Panchayati Raj Department and line departments for effective planning, implementation and better outcomes of development programmes. The meeting concluded with directions to the concerned departments and Panchayati Raj functionaries to undertake necessary follow-up action for timely finalisation and effective implementation of the GPDPs and ZPDP. (DIPR)    

ANINI : An orientation training programme for newly appointed members of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) and Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) of Dibang Valley district was held at Anini on Tuesday to strengthen their understanding of the provisions, procedures and responsibilities under the juvenile justice framework. The programme focused on enhancing the capacity of the members to discharge their statutory duties concerning Children in Need of Care and Protection (CNCP) and Children in Conflict with Law (CCL) in accordance with the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 and rules and guidelines issued there under. The training was attended by newly appointed CWC and JJB members along with officials and functionaries associated with child protection services in the district. Principal Magistrate-cum-Judicial First Class Magistrate T Tallong provided insights into the judicial and legal aspects of juvenile justice, while Special Juvenile Police Unit (SJPU) Officer-in-Charge T Khinlong highlighted the role of police and the SJPU in handling cases involving children. Legal-cum-Probation Officer of the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) Advocate Oki Mihu elaborated on legal procedures and the role of legal and probation services. District Child Protection Officer D Linggi briefed the participants on the functioning of the CWC, JJB and DCPU and various child protection mechanisms. The resource persons stressed the importance of adopting a child-friendly, sensitive and rights-based approach while dealing with children. Participants were also sensitised on proper documentation, timely disposal of cases, inter-agency coordination and ensuring the best interests, dignity, safety and rehabilitation of every child appearing before the CWC and JJB. The programme concluded with an emphasis on continued coordination among the CWC, JJB, DCPU, SJPU, police, legal services and other stakeholders for effective implementation of the Juvenile Justice Act and protection of children’s rights and welfare in the district.    

ANINI : The fifth edition of the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign was launched in Anini on Tuesday with Dibang Valley joining the nationwide celebration of patriotism, national pride and unity. The campaign was launched by Mopi Mihu, MLA-cum-Advisor to Ministers for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Geology and Mining, along with Dibang Valley Deputy Commissioner Bekir Nyorak and Superintendent of Police Pankaj Kumar. Organised by the Department of Art and Culture under the aegis of the Union Ministry of Culture, the campaign will continue till August 17, encouraging citizens to hoist the Tricolour as a symbol of national pride, unity and shared identity. As part of the launch programme, National Flags were distributed among Zilla Parishad Members (ZPMs), heads of departments, officers, police, Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel and local youth. Participants also joined in singing Vande Mataram, adding to the patriotic fervour. Addressing the gathering, Mihu described Har Ghar Tiranga as a people’s movement that rekindles patriotism and strengthens the emotional bond among citizens. He said the campaign assumes added significance as the country works towards the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047. The launch marked Dibang Valley’s participation in the nationwide campaign, with the Tricolour being projected as a symbol of unity, aspiration and national pride. (DIPR)  

KHONSA : A screening of ‘Partition Horrors Remembrance’ was held at the Conference Hall of the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, Khonsa, on Tuesday to commemorate the victims and remember the suffering caused by the Partition of India. The screening was attended by Tirap Deputy Commissioner Badonlum Tawsik, Khonsa ADC Namneet Singh, DACO Bomiyir Dirchi, DIO Mamta Kumari and officers and staff of the Deputy Commissioner’s Office and adjoining offices. Addressing the gathering, Tawsik highlighted the significance of Partition Horrors Remembrance Day and recalled the immense suffering, displacement and loss of lives during the Partition. He stressed the importance of remembering the tragic chapter of history while upholding the values of peace, communal harmony, unity and brotherhood. The officers and staff watched the screening with solemnity and paid tribute to the victims and all those who suffered during one of the most painful chapters in the nation’s history.    

ITANAGAR : Arunachal Pradesh minister Nyato Dukam on Monday said the draft proposal to scrap the existing 80:20 recruitment ratio in recruitment is ready and will likely be placed before the state Cabinet on August 13 for final approval. The present recruitment system in the state is on an 80:20 ratio, with 80 per cent of posts reserved for state tribal candidates and 20 per cent open, where even tribal candidates can compete. Dukam, who heads the High-Powered Committee (HPC) constituted by the government to review the recruitment policy, told reporters here that he had approved the draft after discussions with legal experts, the All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) and other stakeholders. “The draft has been approved after today’s meeting with all the stakeholders. It will now be placed before the state Cabinet for discussion and final approval,” he said. The Skill Development and IPR minister said the proposed recruitment framework also considers making Permanent Resident Certificate (PRC) and Arunachal Pradesh Scheduled Tribe (APST) certificates mandatory for candidates appearing in competitive examinations conducted for government jobs in the state. The committee has also discussed introducing a mandatory local dialect criterion in the recruitment process, Dukam said. The development comes amid mounting pressure from student and tribal organisations for scrapping the 80:20 ratio and strengthening safeguards for employment opportunities for indigenous Scheduled Tribe candidates in government recruitment. The HPC held a meeting on Monday to deliberate on the issue, with AAPSU participating as a special invitee. After the meeting, AAPSU reiterated its demand for abolition of the existing ratio and set August 15 as the deadline for the state government to act.   The apex students’ body of the state has warned that it would enforce a 12-hour statewide bandh on August 17 if the government fails to address its demand within the stipulated time.    

Staff Reporter ITANAGAR : The All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) on Monday set August 15 as the deadline for the state government to place the contentious 80:20 job reservation issue before the State Cabinet, warning of a 12-hour statewide bandh on August 17 if the demand is not met. The announcement was made following a meeting of the High-Powered Committee (HPC) held at the Civil Secretariat here, which was attended by AAPSU as a special invitee. Speaking to reporters, AAPSU president Meje Taku said the union had reiterated its demand for scrapping the existing 80:20 reservation ratio in state government recruitment and made its position clear before the committee. “We have made our stand clear to the government. The issue must be taken up by the Cabinet by August 15, failing which AAPSU will enforce a 12-hour statewide bandh on August 17 as the first phase of our democratic agitation,” Taku said. The union has also demanded that Permanent Resident Certificate (PRC) and Arunachal Pradesh Scheduled Tribe (APST) certificates be made mandatory for candidates appearing in competitive recruitment examinations in the state, along with a mandatory local language criterion. Taku further said AAPSU had already written to the Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) and Arunachal Pradesh Staff Selection Board (APSSB), urging them not to conduct any fresh recruitment examinations until the reservation issue is resolved. He warned that the union would shut down the offices of the two recruiting bodies if they proceeded with examinations before the issue was settled. The state government had constituted the HPC in July following demands raised by AAPSU in its memorandum submitted on June 2. The committee, headed by Industries, Skill Development and IPR Minister Nyato Dukam, comprises senior officials from the Home, Law, Personnel, Social Justice, Empowerment and Tribal Affairs, and Administrative Reforms and Training departments. The panel has been tasked with examining the constitutional and legal aspects of the proposed changes, studying reservation policies followed in neighbouring Assam, Mizoram, Nagaland and Manipur, and reviewing the recommendations of an earlier high-level committee. It has been given two months to submit its report.