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MoU exchanged to introduce AEDP at Saint Claret College, Ziro

KOLKATA, SEP 5: A significant step towards strengthening apprenticeship-based higher education in Arunachal Pradesh was marked with the exchange of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Saint Claret College (Autonomous), Ziro, and the Board of Practical Training (Eastern Region), Ministry of Education, Government of India [BOPT (ER)], for the introduction of the Apprenticeship-Embedded Degree Programme (AEDP). The MoU was exchanged during the Regional Apprenticeship Day celebrations held at the Biswa Bangla Convention Centre here on September 5. Saint Claret College (Autonomous), Ziro Principal Dr Fr Allwyn Mendoz and BOPT (ER) Kolkata Director Dr SM Ejaz Ahmad exchanged the MoU. The initiative marks a significant milestone in the field of higher education in the state and is the first such initiative by a college or educational institution in Arunachal Pradesh to implement the AEDP in collaboration with BOPT (ER), Ministry of Education, Government of India. The programme is expected to strengthen the integration of academic learning with practical, industry-oriented apprenticeship experience, providing students with enhanced opportunities for skill development and employability.    

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Tobacco products, alcohol seized

YUPIA, SEP 5: A joint market inspection and enforcement drive was conducted on September 4 in Yupia and Tigdo areas of Papum Pare district, covering markets and commercial establishments in the vicinity of Holy Kids Public School, Euro Kids Pre-School, Nyorch and Yupia-II. The drive was led by Trade Development Officer Sorang Yapa and focused on compliance with trading licence requirements and enforcement of restrictions on the sale of tobacco products near educational institutions. During the inspection, five shops were found operating without valid trading licences, while two others had expired licences. A total of Rs 7,500 was collected as penalties. The enforcement team also seized tobacco products, nine quarter bottles of whisky and two packets of beer from defaulting shops located near school premises. Shopkeepers were sensitised on the spot and advised to obtain or renew their trading licences within 30 days. They were also directed to strictly refrain from stocking, displaying or selling tobacco products within 100 yards of school compounds. The authorities warned that repeat violations would invite stricter legal action.

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Teachers’ Day blood donation drive held

ZIRO, SEP 5: A statewide voluntary blood donation drive organised by the Arunachal Pradesh Technical Teachers Association (APTTA) on Teachers’ Day saw participation from students and faculty of Government Polytechnic Colleges and a Government Engineering College across Arunachal Pradesh. The initiative, organised in association with affiliated bodies COSAAP, AIFPTO and AIFUCTO, was led by APTTA president Bengia Taday and general secretary Dr Phurba Dorjee Philley. In Lower Subansiri district, Government Polytechnic College Ziro conducted the blood donation camp in collaboration with the Blood Centre at Gyati Takka Zonal General Hospital (GTZGH). The camp was coordinated by Government Polytechnic College Ziro Principal Dr D. Devarasiddappa and APTTA Ziro unit coordinator Nani Chobing. A total of 22 prospective donors underwent health screening, of whom 12 successfully donated blood. The donations comprised six units of A positive, two units of B positive and four units of O positive blood, helping replenish emergency stocks at GTZGH for patients requiring transfusion and urgent medical care. Organisers said the initiative was aimed not only at supporting local healthcare facilities but also at promoting civic responsibility, compassion and community service among students and educators. APTTA leaders and the local organisers expressed appreciation to the donors, volunteers and the medical team of GTZGH Ziro for their support in making the blood donation drive successful.      

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Teachers shape curious minds, inspire generations: Khandu

ITANAGAR, SEP 5: Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Saturday said teachers play a crucial role in shaping curious minds, encouraging independent thinking and inspiring generations, stressing that their dedication can help build a better tomorrow. In a social media post on the occasion of Teachers’ Day, Khandu said teachers inspire people to ‘question, learn and think for ourselves’, while recalling the words of former President and eminent educationist Dr S Radhakrishnan that ‘the true teachers are those who help us think for ourselves’. “May the dedication of our teachers continue to shape curious minds, inspire generations and build a better tomorrow,” Khandu said in a post on X. The chief minister extended his warm wishes to teachers, underlining their wider role in society, particularly in nurturing young minds and encouraging them to develop the ability to think independently. Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein also greeted teachers on the occasion and remembered Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan on his birth anniversary. In a social media post, Mein said Radhakrishnan, who dedicated his life to teaching, learning and public service, continued to remind people of “the profound influence a teacher can have on an individual, and ultimately, on a Nation”. “On Teachers’ Day, I offer my deepest gratitude to every teacher who patiently guides, encourages and believes in our children,” Mein said. He said the contribution of teachers to society often begins quietly, but its impact lasts for generations. Teachers’ Day is observed across India on September 5 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, India’s first Vice President and second President, who was also a renowned philosopher, scholar and teacher. The day is observed to honour teachers and recognise their contribution to education and the development of young minds.    

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Arunachal team scales 20 unclimbed Ladakh peaks in 23 days

ITANAGAR, SEP 5: A team from Arunachal Pradesh scaled 20 unclimbed peaks of Ladakh, all over 6,000 metres in height, in just 23 days, a defence statement said on Saturday. The landmark expedition was undertaken by the team from the National Institute of Mountaineering and Adventure Sports (NIMAS) at Dirang in West Kameng district. The institute is under the Ministry of Defence. The expedition by the team led by NIMAS Director Colonel Ranveer Singh Jamwal demonstrated the institute’s capability to conduct technically demanding mountaineering operations in some of the country’s most remote and difficult high-altitude areas, it said. The achievement also highlights the growing potential of Arunachal Pradesh and the Northeast as a hub for adventure sports, exploration and youth development. (Source: PTI)    

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Man wanted in kidnapping, sexual assault of girl arrested from Assam

ITANAGAR, SEP 5: Police in Arunachal Pradesh’s Shi-Yomi district have arrested a history-sheeter from Assam in connection with a kidnapping and sexual assault case involving a girl, an officer said on Saturday. The accused, identified as Gokar Bam, was apprehended from Dhemaji on September 4, during a joint operation conducted by the Arunachal Pradesh Police with the assistance of their Dhemaji counterparts. Mechukha Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) Radhe Obing said Bam was wanted in a case registered at the Mechuka Police Station. Following the raid and subsequent arrest, the minor victim was safely rescued and is currently receiving appropriate care and protection. Preliminary investigations revealed that Bam is a habitual offender with a long criminal record. Several cases are already registered against him across multiple police stations, including the Capital Complex, Aalo, Basar, and Kamba, the officer said. The DySP told PTI that the accused will be produced before a court in Aalo, West Siang district, and that further investigation into the case is underway. (Source: PTI)  

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IMD forecasts rain, thunderstorms across Arunachal from Sep 6

ITANAGAR, SEP 5: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast rain and thunderstorms at several places in Arunachal Pradesh from Sunday, with a number of districts likely to witness adverse weather conditions over the next four days. The State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) here has advised residents in vulnerable and landslide-prone areas, to remain alert during periods of intense weather. According to the IMD, on Sunday the weather system is likely to affect West Kameng, East Kameng, Papum Pare, Siang, Upper Siang, East Siang, Namsai, Changlang, Tirap and Longding districts. The warning map indicates thunderstorms and lightning over several of these areas, while East Kameng, Papum Pare, Changlang and parts of Tirap are also marked for heavier rain activity. On Monday, the area of concern is expected to shift, with Tawang, Kamle, Lepa Rada, Namsai, Tirap and Longding likely to experience rain and thunderstorms, the forecast said. The warning map shows thunderstorm activity over Tawang and Kamle, while Lepa Rada, Namsai and the easternmost districts are also under alert. On Tuesday, Kurung Kumey, Lepa Rada, Tirap and Longding are likely to be affected. Thunderstorm and lightning activities have been indicated in these districts, warranting caution, particularly during periods of intense rainfall. The weather activity is expected to remain concentrated on Wednesday over Kurung Kumey, Changlang, Tirap and Longding. The warning map indicates rain over Kurung Kumey and Changlang, while thunderstorms are likely over Tirap and Longding. The IMD warning map has also placed the affected districts under the alert/watch category, signalling the need for preparedness against possible disruption from heavy rain, lightning and thunderstorms. Authorities and residents in the affected areas are advised to exercise caution, especially during thunderstorms, while people in landslide- and flood-prone locations should remain alert to rapidly changing weather conditions. (Source: PTI)  

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16 teachers felicitated in Papum Pare on Teachers’ Day

YUPIA, SEP 5: The Education Department of Papum Pare district felicitated 16 teachers for their dedicated and exemplary service on the occasion of Teachers’ Day at Hakum Happa Hall, NSCBAV, Yupia, on Saturday. The district-wide celebration was attended by 14-Doimukh MLA Nabam Vivek, Rajiv Gandhi University Head of the Department of Political Science Prof Nani Bath, education officials, representatives of the Arunachal Teachers’ Association (ATA) and teachers from across the district. Addressing the gathering, Vivek appreciated Papum Pare Deputy Director of School Education (DDSE) T.T. Tara and the organising team for holding the district-level celebration, describing it as a first-of-its-kind initiative in the district. Describing teaching as one of the noblest professions, Vivek said a teacher’s success should not be measured merely by students’ academic achievements but also by the values, character and sense of responsibility they develop. He said even helping a single student become a successful and responsible individual with sound character was a significant achievement for a teacher. He called upon teachers to uphold excellence, dedication and integrity in the discharge of their duties and contribute to the socio-cultural development of society. He also urged them to participate constructively in public affairs to bring about positive change in their communities. Assuring continued support to schools, the MLA said all possible assistance would be extended to facilitate their smooth functioning. Referring to the provision of computers and printers to several schools, he said even small interventions could make a meaningful difference to educational institutions. Prof Nani Bath urged teachers to remain sincere to themselves, their subjects, students and society. He emphasised that a teacher’s responsibility extends beyond classroom instruction to the psychological and emotional well-being of students, including support for those facing personal or financial difficulties. Citing instances where simple acts of kindness by teachers had left a lasting impact on students, Bath urged teachers to closely monitor the mental, emotional and overall development of their students. DDSE TT Tara and Arunachal Teachers’ Association district unit president R.K. Rob also addressed the gathering and highlighted the role of teachers in strengthening the education system and shaping the future of the younger generation. Adding a student’s perspective to the celebration, Class X student Chukhu Namchum of BK Mission School, Midpu, Doimukh, spoke on the significance of Teachers’ Day and the role of teachers in bringing positive change to students’ lives. The 16 teachers felicitated for their dedicated and exemplary service were Jomya Loya, PGT (Geography), GHSS Balijan; Tam Tapa, PGT (Biology), GHSS Sagalee; Churchill Tana Tara, PGT (Economics), GHSS Kimin; Bai Bengia, PGT (Hindi), PM SHRI GHSS Doimukh; Nabam Kamen, PGT (History), PM SHRI GHSS Doimukh; Ramesh Gollo, TGT, GHSS Balijan; Sudhir Kr. Singh, TGT, GSS Mengio; Nabam Nacho, TGT, GSS Nimté; Tame Negi, TGT, GUPS PTC Banderdewa; Tame Taram, TGT, GUPS Hawa Camp; Narayan Teron, PRT, GPS Chakma-I, Balijan; Tarh Noma, PRT, GSS Mengio; Taw Taram, PRT, PM SHRI GRS Nakar; Tana Tani, PRT, GSS Toru; Tame Robinson, PRT, GPS Lichi; and Nyarum Sonari Tacho, PRT, GUPS Emchi.    

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East Siang teachers wear back badges over TET requirement

Mingkeng Osik PASIGHAT, SEP 5: Teachers across East Siang district observed Teachers’ Day on Saturday by wearing black badges to express solidarity with teachers’ organisations raising concerns over the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) requirement for in-service teachers. The observance followed an appeal by the District Executive Committee of the Arunachal Teachers’ Association (ATA), East Siang district unit. In a circular issued on September 4, the association urged teachers to participate peacefully while maintaining unity and dignity and highlighting concerns arising from the recent Supreme Court judgment on the TET requirement. The TET requirement was introduced following the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009, which prescribed minimum qualifications for teachers appointed to elementary schools. The issue has since emerged as a concern among several serving teachers, particularly those who joined government service before the requirement came into effect. Speaking during the observance, ATA East Siang district unit general secretary Kalen Komut said association members had visited several schools across the district to interact with teachers and understand their concerns. Komut said many serving teachers had devoted 15 to 20 years to the profession and contributed significantly to educating generations of students, including those who later became doctors, engineers and professionals in various fields. He expressed concern that requiring long-serving teachers to appear for an eligibility examination at this stage could create anxiety within the teaching community. He said preparing for an examination while continuing regular teaching duties could also divert teachers’ attention between job security and classroom responsibilities, potentially affecting the teaching-learning process. At Lal Bahadur Shastri Government Upper Primary School, TGT Mary Tayeng raised concerns over uncertainty regarding the examination syllabus. She questioned whether experienced teachers would have to prepare under the existing or a revised syllabus and said senior teachers could face difficulties preparing for a competitive examination after several years in service. Tayeng also expressed concern over the possible impact on schools if serving teachers fail the examination, particularly regarding the availability of experienced educators and continuity of classroom teaching. Similarly, Nasi Darang of Government Secondary School, Mirbuk, said serving government teachers should not necessarily be subjected to the same requirement as newly appointed teachers. With only a few years left in service, Darang said the issue had created uncertainty among experienced educators and advocated that the TET requirement be applied primarily to newly appointed teachers. Other teachers, including Osor Jamoh of Mirbuk School and W.R. Singh of Balwadi School, also shared their views during the interaction. The black-badge observance was held in solidarity with the All India Primary Teachers’ Association (AIPTA), All India Federation of Teachers’ Organisations (AIFTO), ATA Central Executive Committee and other teachers’ organisations that have raised concerns over the implications of the Supreme Court judgment. The East Siang ATA appealed to teachers to participate peacefully and in a disciplined manner and share photographs of the observance on social media to collectively highlight the concerns of the teaching fraternity. For the participating teachers, the black badge symbolised concerns over the application of the TET requirement to experienced in-service educators and its possible implications for job security, teacher morale and continuity of education in government schools.  

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West Siang youth invited to join Viksit Bharat Quiz 2027

AALO, SEP 5: The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports is organising the 30th National Youth Festival as the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue (VBYLD) 2027, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, providing young people across the country an opportunity to contribute ideas for nation-building. The national dialogue will be held in New Delhi from January 10 to 12, 2027. Outstanding ideas emerging through the initiative may get an opportunity to be presented before the Prime Minister. The first stage of the Viksit Bharat Challenge Track is an online quiz, which is currently open and will close on September 30, 2026. Youth aged 15 to 29 years can participate free of cost through the MY Bharat portal after registration. Those qualifying in the quiz will proceed to the essay round, followed by district- and state-level championships, culminating in the National Dialogue in New Delhi. All participants will receive certificates of participation, while successful candidates will gain exposure and opportunities for recognition and leadership at district, state and national levels. The initiative aims to bring together youth from diverse social and cultural backgrounds while promoting leadership, innovation, creative thinking and active participation in nation-building. MY Bharat West Siang, in coordination with educational institutions and youth organisations, has urged eligible youth, particularly students and those associated with the National Service Scheme (NSS), MY Bharat and other youth platforms, to participate and showcase their ideas and potential. The initiative is free of cost and provides young people an opportunity to demonstrate their leadership abilities and contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047. Youth seeking details on the competition, rules and registration can visit the MY Bharat portal at mybharat.gov.in. The youth of West Siang have been urged to make use of the opportunity and become active contributors to the nation’s development journey. (DIPR)