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ZIRO : The Ziro Tourism Organisation (ZTO) and the Nagaland Tourism Association (NTA) have jointly advocated mandatory engagement of certified local tourist guides to promote sustainable tourism, preserve cultural heritage and create employment opportunities for local youth. The proposal emerged during an interaction between members of the two organisations at Suchusi Homestay in Ziro on Saturday. The NTA delegation was visiting Arunachal Pradesh as part of a Familiarisation (FAM) Tour aimed at exploring the state’s tourism potential and strengthening inter-state cooperation. The delegation had earlier interacted with tourism stakeholders in Namsai and Pasighat. During the meeting, both organisations highlighted the crucial role of local tourist guides in enriching visitors’ experiences by introducing them to the region’s history, culture and natural heritage while encouraging responsible and respectful tourism. ZTO Chairman Hibu Tatu, NTA Chairman Vimeto Vakha and NTA Secretary Aseba Kezo said engaging certified local guides would help maintain cultural authenticity, improve visitor safety and generate sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities. The two organisations also reaffirmed their commitment to working together to promote sustainable, community-based tourism across the Northeast while safeguarding the region’s cultural and natural heritage and supporting long-term economic growth.      

BASAR : The Basar Planning Authority (BPA) on Saturday finalised the proposed Local Planning Area (LPA) for the formulation of the Comprehensive Basar Township Master Plan and resolved to recommend it to the state government for issuance of the preliminary notification under the relevant statutory provisions. The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Leparada Deputy Commissioner Himani Meena at the DC’s conference hall. Besides members of the authority, the meeting was attended by public representatives, Gram Panchayat Members (GPMs) and Gram Panchayat Chairpersons (GPCs) from villages adjoining Basar township and falling within the proposed planning area. Welcoming the participants, Meena said the Basar Planning Authority, constituted under the Arunachal Pradesh Urban and Country Planning Act, 2007, is preparing a state-of-the-art Geographic Information System (GIS)-based Master Plan for Basar township. She said the declaration of a clearly defined Local Planning Area is a statutory requirement for determining the jurisdiction of the Master Plan, covering both the existing urban area and adjoining peripheral regions. She emphasised that a well-defined planning area would ensure systematic development, regulate future growth and prevent haphazard urban expansion. Clarifying concerns over the inclusion of rural areas within the proposed LPA, the deputy commissioner said such inclusion would not automatically alter the status of rural land but would facilitate coordinated and sustainable development in accordance with the law. BPA Town Planner-cum-Member Secretary Tabom Tamut gave a detailed presentation on the procedure for declaring the Local Planning Area, relevant statutory provisions and urban planning protocols. He also proposed extending the existing urban limits to include the Old Market Area and Pajo Area, which was discussed extensively during the meeting. The deliberations witnessed active participation from PRI members and public representatives, who underscored the need for timely and planned urban development to ensure the orderly growth of Basar township. The authority also resolved to undertake an extensive public awareness and sensitisation campaign across all villages within the proposed planning area during the statutory period following the preliminary notification. The campaign will involve PRI leaders, public representatives and other stakeholders to familiarise residents with the planning process and the long-term benefits of the proposed Local Planning Area. (DIPR)    

ITANAGAR : The State Cabinet on Friday approved a series of major policy decisions and development initiatives, including a cumulative investment of ₹7,834 crore for four flagship Chief Minister’s comprehensive schemes during 2026-29, aimed at strengthening infrastructure, education, power, entrepreneurship and governance while improving the ease of living and ease of doing business in Arunachal Pradesh. Chaired by Chief Minister Pema Khandu, the Cabinet approved ₹2,334 crore for Phase-II of the Chief Minister’s Comprehensive State Road Development Plan (CMCSRDP) to improve connectivity in district headquarters, township roads, Deputy Commissioner, Additional Deputy Commissioner and Sub-Divisional Officer headquarters, besides easing traffic congestion in the Capital Complex. The Cabinet noted that 62 of the 67 projects sanctioned under Phase-I of the CMCSRDP, with an outlay of ₹899.58 crore during 2019-24, have been completed and directed that the remaining works be finished by March 2027. To improve rural connectivity, the Cabinet sanctioned ₹2,000 crore under the Chief Minister’s Comprehensive State Rural Road Development Programme (CMCSRRDP) over the next three years for construction of roads and bridges to provide all-weather connectivity to habitations not covered under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). Another ₹2,000 crore was approved under the Chief Minister’s Comprehensive State Power Development Programme (CMCSPDP) for upgrading and modernising the state’s power infrastructure, with the objective of reducing Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses to 18 per cent by March 2029. The Cabinet also approved ₹1,500 crore for Phase-II of Mission Shikshit Arunachal (2026-29) to bridge infrastructure gaps in schools, strengthen teacher training and enhance real-time monitoring through the Arunachal Vidya Nidhi (AVN) platform. It reviewed the success of Phase-I, under which ₹3,112.50 crore was invested in improving school infrastructure between 2023 and 2026. The Cabinet launched the Enterprise Human Resources Management System (E-HRMS) 2.0, an artificial intelligence-powered platform to digitise and automate the entire government employee lifecycle from recruitment to retirement, and directed all departments to adopt the system expeditiously. Among the new welfare initiatives, the Cabinet approved the Chief Minister’s Frontier Sainik School Scholarship Scheme to support Arunachali students studying in eight notified Sainik Schools and the Rashtriya Indian Military College, Dehradun. It also cleared an Indian Army-led coaching and mentorship programme to prepare students for admission to Sainik and military schools and future careers as Armed Forces officers. To strengthen the state’s economy, the Cabinet approved the launch of the ARUN MSME Mission, which aims to revive and upgrade 500 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) annually while providing market linkage, export and capacity-building support. The Cabinet also approved the Arunachal Human Capital and Economic Transformation Vision 2036, which envisages skilling one lakh youths, creating 10,000 entrepreneurs, facilitating 10,000 apprenticeships, enabling 10,000 overseas placements, forging 100 industry partnerships and upgrading all 10 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) into modern skill hubs. In a significant employment decision, the Cabinet approved 20 per cent reservation for retired Agniveers from Arunachal Pradesh in constabulary and equivalent posts in the Arunachal Pradesh Police, Arunachal Armed Police, Indian Reserve Battalion, Fire and Emergency Services, Forest Guards, Mineral Guards, Special Tiger Protection Force, Foresters and Prison Wardens. It clarified that unfilled vacancies under the ex-Agniveer quota would revert to the regular Arunachal Pradesh Scheduled Tribe (APST) quota. The Cabinet also approved the Arunachal Pradesh Apiculture and Honey Policy, 2026, aimed at promoting scientific and commercially viable beekeeping, enhancing farmers’ and women Self-Help Group (SHG) incomes and positioning Arunachal honey as a premium product. To improve the ease of doing business, it approved the Non-applicability of Trade Licence (for Statutory Licence Holders) Notification, 2026, exempting businesses holding valid statutory licences under specified Central and State laws from obtaining separate trade licences. It also exempted 56 categories of business activities from trade licence requirements to reduce regulatory duplication. The Cabinet further recommended promulgation of the Arunachal Pradesh Fire and Emergency Services (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026, approved amendments to the Arunachal Pradesh Staff Selection Board (APSSB) Rules, 2018 by increasing the waitlist to 20 per cent of vacancies or up to five candidates, extending its validity from six months to one year, and approved the establishment of six new fire stations at Nyapin, Dambuk, Nari, Kaying, Jairampur and Menchuka. It also approved the Common Examination Scheme for Direct Recruitment to Group A and Group B Technical Posts Rules, 2026, the proposed Arunachal Pradesh Advocates Protection Bill, 2026, new service rules for the State Legal Services Authority and amendments to the Junior Librarian (Law) Recruitment Rules, 2020. To strengthen administrative capacity, the Cabinet approved the creation of 36 Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) posts under the 1st and 2nd Arunachal Armed Police Battalions and granted special grade designations to various categories of prison personnel.      

PASIGHAT :  Under the aegis of the Spearhead Division, the Spearhead Gunners of the Signals Regiment (SIGAR) Military Station conducted a military interaction and strategic weapon display for students of Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU), Pasighat, as part of the university’s orientation programme for the 2026-27 academic session. The programme aimed to familiarise students with the ethos of military service, leadership, discipline and the career opportunities available in the Indian Armed Forces, while promoting patriotism, nation-building and responsible citizenship. Addressing the students, the Commander of the Spearhead Gunners said the true strength of the Indian Army lies not only in its modern weaponry but also in the character, courage and professionalism of its personnel. He encouraged the students to lead lives of purpose and integrity, emphasising that national security is a shared responsibility requiring committed citizens and capable leaders. The strategic weapon display gave students an opportunity to interact with serving soldiers and officers and gain insights into the operational role of various weapon systems, military equipment and the professionalism that underpins Army operations. Interactive sessions also offered participants a glimpse into life in the Armed Forces and highlighted the importance of teamwork, discipline and leadership. A dedicated interaction with Army officers and a career information session generated keen interest among students, who sought information on officer entry schemes, Agniveer recruitment and other career opportunities in the Indian Army. An Army-themed selfie point was also set up to enhance student engagement. The programme received an enthusiastic response from students and faculty members of Rashtriya Raksha University and reaffirmed the Indian Army’s commitment to youth engagement, leadership development and strengthening civil-military ties through nation-building initiatives. (DIPR)    

TAWANG : The 45th Foundation Day of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) was celebrated at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall here on Friday, marking over four decades of the institution’s contribution to rural development, sustainable agriculture, financial inclusion and livelihood promotion. The programme was attended by Tawang Deputy Commissioner Namgyal Angmo, Additional Deputy Commissioner Rinchin Leta, Assistant Commissioners Tenzin Jambey, Nawang Thutan and Tsering Choden, besides heads of departments, bankers and members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs). Welcoming the gathering, NABARD Tawang District Development Manager (DDM) Keertika Kashyap presented an overview of the institution’s 45-year journey and highlighted its initiatives in agriculture, rural infrastructure, financial inclusion, skill development and livelihood promotion. The occasion also witnessed the release of the NABARD Annual Report by the Deputy Commissioner. As part of the nationwide ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, star anise saplings were distributed among SHG members to promote environmental conservation while paying tribute to mothers. Addressing the gathering, Angmo extended greetings to the NABARD fraternity and said the institution has immense potential to support Tawang across diverse sectors. She urged government departments and SHGs to actively utilise NABARD’s technical expertise, financial assistance and developmental programmes for sustainable and inclusive growth. The DC also appreciated the proactive role of DDM Keertika Kashyap in collaborating with various departments and supporting innovative initiatives in the district, and encouraged closer coordination with NABARD to maximise the benefits of its schemes. Additional Deputy Commissioner Rinchin Leta congratulated NABARD on its Foundation Day and acknowledged its significant contribution to rural development and community empowerment. During the interactive session, representatives of various departments discussed opportunities for enhanced collaboration with NABARD in strengthening agriculture and allied sectors, promoting entrepreneurship, empowering SHGs, improving rural infrastructure and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities. The programme concluded with a collective resolve among all stakeholders to work closely with NABARD for the holistic and inclusive development of Tawang district. (DIPR)