Latest News

ITANAGAR, SEP 16: Governor Lt Gen KT Parnaik (Retd) has extended warm birthday greetings and best wishes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on behalf of the people of Arunachal Pradesh and on his own behalf. In his message, the Governor said Prime Minister Modi’s visionary outlook, determination and commitment to the nation have earned global recognition. He said the Prime Minister’s innovative ideas and transformative initiatives have inspired positive change across sectors, empowered citizens and strengthened the foundations of a self-reliant and progressive India. The Governor said India has witnessed significant progress in development, public welfare, national security and economic growth during the past 12 years under the Prime Minister’s leadership. He also highlighted Modi’s efforts towards enhancing the morale and welfare of the armed forces, which, he said, have strengthened the nation’s security and pride. The Governor conveyed his heartfelt wishes for the Prime Minister’s good health, happiness and long life, and expressed confidence that his leadership would continue to guide the nation towards greater progress and prosperity.

ZIRO, SEP 16: A one-day training programme on aquaculture insurance and financial benefits under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PMMKSSY) was held at the Integrated Aqua Park (IAP), Tarin, in Lower Subansiri district on Wednesday. The programme aimed to sensitise fish farmers and fisheries stakeholders to the importance of insurance, coverage procedures and risk management in aquaculture. Around 50 participants, including individual fish farmers, members of Fish Producer Organisations (FFPOs), cooperative societies and local fisheries entrepreneurs, attended the programme. National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), Guwahati Senior Executive and North Eastern Region Nodal Officer Ashim Kumar Borah was the chief resource person. He explained insurance coverage, eligibility criteria and procedures for filing claims. Ziro District Fisheries Development Officer (DFDO) Pema Khandu Thongdok highlighted the role of insurance as a financial safeguard against unexpected losses and encouraged farmers and fisheries organisations to make use of available insurance facilities to strengthen financial stability and promote sustainable farming practices. IAP Tarin Farm Manager Mihin Tapin shared practical insights on farm management and risk mitigation. An interactive question-and-answer session followed, during which participants sought clarification on premium rates, documentation requirements and claim settlement timelines. The resource persons addressed the queries and provided guidance on the procedures. The participants appreciated the programme, stating that such awareness initiatives help strengthen farmers’ understanding of available financial safeguards and support more resilient aquaculture practices in the district. (DIPR)    

ITANAGAR, SEP 16: Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Wednesday called upon people of the state to participate in the ‘Aashirwad Ka Diya’ initiative on September 17, marking Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday, as part of the ‘Seva Sankalp Abhiyan’. Khandu said the initiative would symbolise a collective commitment to public service, good governance and the continued progress of the country. In a social media post, Khandu appealed to people to light the ‘Lamp of Blessings’ in their homes between 6 pm and 7 pm on Thursday. “Let us light the ‘Lamp of Blessings’ (Aashirwad Ka Diya) in our homes between 6 pm and 7 pm on September 17, symbolising our shared resolve towards service and the continued progress of our nation,” Khandu said in a post on X. He said the initiative was aimed at reaffirming the collective commitment towards public service and nation-building. ” As Modi completes another year of his public life, we acknowledge and appreciate his years of service and contribution to the country,” Khandu said. The CM also expressed appreciation for Modi’s public service, saying, “Our heartfelt thanks to him for his continued commitment to public service and the nation.” In another post, Khandu described the ‘diya’ as a symbol of ‘gratitude, goodwill and wishes for long life and continued service to ‘Mother India’. Khandu said the ‘Aashirwad Ka Diya’ would provide an opportunity for people to collectively mark the occasion through an act symbolising goodwill and public service. The ‘Seva Sankalp Abhiyan’ is being presented as an initiative centred on public service, good governance and nation-building. (Source: PTI)  

Staff reporter ITANAGAR, SEP 16: The Arunachal Jankalyan Sangathan (AJS) on Wednesday raised a series of demands concerning alleged financial irregularities, transparency and governance issues in the Arunachal Pradesh State Transport Services (APSTS), including Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model bus operations under the APSTS and issues faced by APSTS vendors. Addressing reporters in a press conference held at the Arunachal Press Club here, AJS chairman Nabam Tama alleged that Transport Minister Ojing Tasing had awarded work orders through a “give-and-take” policy and to kith and kin. He alleged that the minister was therefore not interested in resolving the issues concerning APSTS. Tama informed that a meeting was held on June 13, 2026, with Home Minister Mama Natung, Transport Minister Ojing Tasing, APSTS General Manager Mito Dirchi and Deputy General Manager to discuss the issues concerning APSTS. During the meeting, the concerned minister had assured that all the issues raised by AJS and the Arunachal Transport Supply Maintenance Vendor Association (ATSMVA) would be resolved within four months, Tama said. However, he alleged that the minister and the department had failed to fulfill the assurances. He further alleged that the Transport Minister’s attitude towards the issues remained unapproachable. He said the organisation had therefore approached Home Minister Mama Natung, with a meeting scheduled for September 20. “We shall go for a legal fight after the meeting with the Home Minister on September 20, as the Transport Minister is not interested in solving the issues raised,” Tama said. The AJS demanded termination of the existing APSTS-Sachkhand Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement for Volvo and electric bus operations, alleging that the arrangement had resulted in financial losses. The organisation also called for an immediate halt to the expansion of e-bus services under the existing PPP model, citing alleged annual losses and financial strain on local ST MSMEs and workshop owners. It further demanded a special inquiry and audit by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) into alleged revenue leakage and misuse of powers, besides seeking clearance of pending bills of local tribal APSTS vendors. The AJS also demanded reforms in the tendering process, calling for an end to alleged offline tendering and “pick-and-choose” and “give-and-take” work orders. It urged strict adherence to Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), General Financial Rules (GFR) and Central Public Works Department (CPWD) guidelines.      

RONO HILLS, SEP 16: Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU) participated in the All India Official Language Conference held at Navi Mumbai on September 14 and 15, under the chairmanship of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. RGU Hindi Officer Dr Gumpi Nguso participated in the conference as a delegate, representing the university at the national-level gathering focused on the promotion and implementation of Hindi as the Official Language of India. The conference witnessed participation from representatives of around 6,000 government offices and institutions from across the country. It brought together distinguished personalities from diverse fields, including Maharashtra Chief Minister, senior bureaucrats, academicians, litterateurs and technocrats. Renowned figures from the fields of art and literature, including veteran Bollywood musician Hariharan, poet Nilesh Mishra and composer-poet Manoj Muntashir Shukla, also attended the event. The conference provided a national platform to deliberate on and promote the use of Hindi as the Official Language while celebrating the linguistic and cultural diversity associated with the language.    

KHONSA, SEP 16: A Sainik Bandhu Meeting was held at the DC’s Conference Hall, Khonsa, on Wednesday to discuss the welfare and rehabilitation concerns of ex-servicemen and their families in Tirap district. The meeting was chaired by Tirap Deputy Commissioner and Chairman, Zila Sainik Board Badonlum Tawsik and attended by representatives of the armed forces, Assam Rifles, district administration, State Bank of India and the Ex-Servicemen Welfare Association (ESWA), besides Veer Naris, widows and dependents of ex-servicemen. Among those present were Bhairav Battalion OC Lt Commandant Kulbhusan Sharma, 44 Assam Rifles Deputy Commandant Jai Bhagwan, Khonsa Deputy Superintendent of Police Padi Payang, State Bank of India Branch Manager Raj Basumatary, DDMO Emily Tingkhatra and ESWA Khonsa Secretary Sub Ngoman Nokbi (Retd). The meeting provided a platform for ex-servicemen and their families to raise concerns and discuss measures to improve access to welfare benefits and livelihood opportunities. ESWA, Tirap district, highlighted the need for supporting staff at the Ex-Servicemen Welfare Office, land allotment for livelihood activities, better access to welfare schemes, reservation of seats for children of ex-servicemen in educational institutions and employment of eligible ex-servicemen as security personnel in schools, banks and other institutions. Representatives of the armed forces, 44 Assam Rifles and State Bank of India apprised participants of various welfare schemes, facilities, eligibility criteria and procedures available to ex-servicemen and their families. The DC assured the participants that the district administration would address genuine concerns with sensitivity and promptness. He stressed the need for coordinated efforts among departments to ensure that eligible beneficiaries receive the benefits due to them. He also said the experience, discipline and skills acquired by ex-servicemen constitute a valuable resource and would be meaningfully utilised whenever required in the service of the district. The meeting concluded with an open-house discussion during which participants shared further suggestions concerning welfare and rehabilitation. (DIPR)      

ITANAGAR, SEP 16: The Tawang district administration in Arunachal Pradesh on Wednesday issued a fresh advisory warning residents of possible landslides, mudslides and watercourse blockages amid continuous rainfall, particularly in downstream areas of Bomdir Nallah where a major mudslide is feared. People living near streams, nallahs, low-lying areas and landslide-prone locations have been asked to remain highly vigilant and avoid unnecessary movement near vulnerable slopes and watercourses, district officials said. The advisory follows a survey of the Mhenkhar and Bhuip areas towards PTSO, where large-scale landslide activity has been reported, they said. A team led by assistant commissioner Tenzin Jambey, along with district disaster management officer (DDMO) Genden Tsomu and representatives of the Tawang Brigade of the Indian Army, inspected the affected areas as part of precautionary measures. During the survey, the team observed continued movement of mud and debris. Officials said the debris could obstruct natural watercourses, resulting in sudden accumulation of water and posing a serious threat to downstream areas if the blockage gives way or further slope failure occurs. In view of the prevailing weather conditions and continuing instability of vulnerable slopes, the administration has repeatedly advised residents to exercise caution. It has particularly urged people to stay away from swollen streams, unstable slopes, landslide zones and vulnerable stretches of road. Kyidphel assistant commissioner Sange Norbu has also alerted villagers and shared precautionary information through WhatsApp and other social media platforms to ensure timely communication at the grassroots level. The administration of the border district has appealed to residents not to ignore official advisories or take unnecessary risks while crossing swollen streams or travelling through landslide-prone areas. People have also been asked to immediately inform the local administration about any unusual blockage of watercourses, sudden changes in water levels, movement of debris or signs of slope instability. The district administration urged the public to remain alert, follow official advisories and cooperate with disaster management authorities to ensure the safety of individuals and the community. (Source: PTI)