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Staff Reporter ITANAGAR :  The Save Arunachal Youth Association (SAYA) has submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), expressing concern over the condition of the state’s education sector and urging the government to take immediate corrective measures to address what it described as administrative lapses and declining educational standards. Addressing a press conference here on Monday, SAYA president Likha Rajnik alleged that negligence among certain officials and teaching staff has adversely affected the quality of education, particularly in rural and remote areas. He claimed that inadequate monitoring, teacher absenteeism and weak administrative oversight have contributed to declining enrolment and the growing number of defunct government schools. Emphasising the importance of quality education, Rajnik said every child has the right to proper schooling under the Right to Education (RTE) Act and urged the government to ensure continued access to educational facilities, especially for students from economically weaker sections who depend on government schools. Expressing concern over the reported closure of a large number of schools, Rajnik alleged that educational administrators at various levels have failed to effectively monitor institutions and address issues affecting the teaching-learning process. He claimed that around 1,238 schools in the state have become defunct and alleged that several teachers posted in such institutions continue to draw salaries without being redeployed. He urged the government to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter and take appropriate action wherever required. According to Rajnik, the memorandum also raised concerns regarding the functioning of District Deputy Directors of School Education (DDSEs), Cluster Resource Centre Coordinators (CRCCs), Block Resource Centre Coordinators (BRCCs), Block Education Officers (BEOs) and teaching staff. The association alleged that lapses in supervision and accountability have contributed to the deterioration of educational standards in several districts. SAYA has sought the constitution of an independent high-level inquiry committee comprising senior judicial officers, Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers, Indian Police Service (IPS) officers and other competent authorities to investigate the alleged irregularities and identify shortcomings within the Education Department. The association further called for reforms in teacher deployment, stronger monitoring mechanisms, transparent transfer and posting policies, and strict enforcement of service rules to ensure teachers report to their assigned places of duty on time. It also urged the government to review decisions relating to school closures and explore measures to strengthen educational institutions, particularly in rural and remote areas. Rajnik expressed hope that the government would take serious note of the issues raised and initiate appropriate measures to improve the education sector, restore public confidence in government schools and safeguard the future of students across the state. During the press conference, Rajnik also urged the state government to hand over the alleged mismanagement of Rs 183 crore under the Fisheries Department in Kra-Daadi district to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for an impartial investigation. He further demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Pema Khandu, alleging that complaints related to government tenders worth over Rs 1,200 crore purportedly linked to the Chief Minister warrant a comprehensive investigation by the CBI without external influence or interference.    

ITANAGAR : The NERIST Researchers’ Association (NRSA) has appealed to the Ministry of Education, Government of India, to reconsider the resignation of the Director of North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology (NERIST), Prof Narendranath S, citing concerns over the circumstances leading to his departure and its potential impact on the Institute’s academic environment. In a letter addressed to the Secretary of the Ministry of Education, the Association stated that the Director tendered his resignation on May 29 following an incident in which, it alleged, a group of individuals and organizations entered his office chamber and created a highly disturbing situation on the campus. According to the NRSA, the incident involved protests, intimidation, and disturbances that disrupted the otherwise peaceful academic atmosphere of the Institute. The association claimed that the situation escalated to such an extent that security personnel, including CRPF jawans, had to be deployed on the campus and a magistrate was required to facilitate the director’s safe movement from office to his official residence. “The sequence of events suggests that the Director was placed under immense pressure and ultimately compelled to tender his resignation on the same day. The resignation was subsequently forwarded to the Ministry of Education and the Board of Management for their approval,” the letter stated. The Association noted that the incident occurred during the Institute’s vacation period when research and academic activities were continuing with limited campus occupancy. It expressed concern that the developments had adversely affected the morale of students, researchers, faculty members and staff. NRSA further claimed that many campus residents, particularly those from outside Arunachal Pradesh, have expressed concerns regarding their safety and security. It warned that the prevailing atmosphere of fear and uncertainty could negatively impact ongoing research and academic activities. Highlighting Prof Narendranath’s contributions during his tenure, the Association urged the Education Ministry to reconsider the Director’s resignation. “At a time when several institutional activities had remained dormant, his leadership brought renewed momentum to campus development. Student engagement and academic activities witnessed noticeable improvement. Research output, publications, and scholarly activities also progressed significantly under his guidance. His efforts helped create a more vibrant academic atmosphere and strengthened the Institute’s commitment to research and innovation,” it said. The NRSA also stated that NERIST has previously faced considerable delays in its overall development due to prolonged vacancies in the position of Director. The Institute cannot afford to return to such uncertainty. “We further submit that appointing a temporary or acting Director may not adequately address the institute’s long-term needs, as such arrangements often have limited administrative authority and decision-making powers. For the sustained growth and development of NERIST, the institute requires stable and permanent leadership,” the letter further said. (Source: UNI)    

ITANAGAR : Arunachal Pradesh’s Longding district has imposed an immediate ban on the transport and purchase of live pigs and pork products following a confirmed outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) in the neighbouring Tinsukia region of Assam, an official said on Monday. In an advisory, Longding district animal husbandry and veterinary officer O Moyong said the emergency restrictions will remain in force for one month to prevent the entry of the deadly virus into the district. “All pig farmers, livestock traders, and the general public must strictly adhere to these preventive guidelines. Non-compliance will be viewed seriously and may invite punitive action under the Prevention and Control of Infectious and Contagious Diseases in Animals Act, 2009,” the official said. In the advisory, a complete ban on the purchase of live pigs, piglets, pork, and pork-based products from Assam or any other affected neighbouring zones has been implemented. Farmers have also been cautioned against swill feeding — the practice of feeding kitchen waste to pigs — which has been identified as a primary driver of ASF virus transmission. The veterinary department has also issued comprehensive farm-level biosecurity protocols. These include the mandatory installation of disinfectant foot dips at the entrance of every pigsty, the use of dedicated farm footwear and clothing, and a strict restriction on unnecessary visitors, external vehicles, and personnel within farm perimeters. Farmers have also been directed to clean and chemically disinfect pig housing units and feeding utensils daily. The official urged livestock owners to maintain a close watch for symptoms such as high fever, weakness, loss of appetite, haemorrhages or purple patches on the skin, and sudden deaths. “Any pig showing symptoms must be isolated from the healthy herd immediately to prevent internal farm spread. Suspected cases or unusual pig deaths must be reported instantly to the nearest veterinary dispensary or the office of the District Veterinary Officer,” he said. The advisory further prohibited the open dumping of carcasses in fields, roadsides, or water bodies to prevent rapid environmental contamination. Farmers must instead follow strict containment disposal methods through deep burial with a heavy layer of lime, or incineration, as directly guided by veterinary staff, the official added. (Source: PTI)      

ITANAGAR : Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Monday announced the launch of the fifth edition of the entrepreneurship development programme for 2026-27, aimed at strengthening the state’s startup ecosystem by providing seed funding support and nurturing promising ideas. Khandu said the Arunachal Pradesh Entrepreneurship Development Programme (APEDP) 5.0 seeks to create employment opportunities and boost the local economy through innovation and enterprise development. “The Arunachal Pradesh Entrepreneurship Development Programme (APEDP) 5.0 (2026-27) has been launched to support and nurture the startup ecosystem of our state. “With seed funding support for 100 innovative startups, including substantial assistance for the top-performing ventures, this initiative aims to transform ideas into successful enterprises, generate employment, and strengthen our local economy,” the CM said in a post on X. Khandu urged the youth, entrepreneurs, self-help groups, professionals and innovators “to seize this opportunity and submit their applications before July 20”. The chief minister asserted that the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to fostering innovation, encouraging self-employment and building a vibrant startup ecosystem capable of generating jobs and contributing to Arunachal Pradesh’s long-term economic development. Officials said the top 20 startups will receive financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh each, while the remaining 80 will be provided Rs 8 lakh each to help scale their ventures and accelerate business growth. The programme will focus on key areas, including entrepreneurship development, pre-incubation and incubation support, livelihood acceleration and seed funding assistance, creating a “comprehensive support system” for startups at different stages of development, they said. (Source: PTI)

YINGKIONG : The Upper Siang district administration on Monday held a condolence meeting at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall here to pay tribute to Late Toni Mitkong, Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO), Yingkiong, who passed away on May 30 at his residence in Pasighat following a prolonged illness. The meeting, chaired by Upper Siang Deputy Commissioner Talo Jerang, was attended by officers and staff of the district administration. As a mark of respect, those present observed a two-minute silence in memory of the departed officer. Expressing profound grief over the loss, Jerang described Late Mitkong as a sincere, punctual and dedicated officer whose contributions to public service would be remembered for years to come. Conveying condolences to the bereaved family, the DC said Mitkong’s integrity, professionalism and commitment to duty had earned him the respect of colleagues and the public alike. He added that although his passing had created an irreplaceable void, his legacy of selfless service would continue to inspire future generations of Arunachal Pradesh Civil Service (APCS) officers and government employees. Jerang also extended his sympathies to the deceased’s family, particularly his wife, two daughters and two sons, and prayed for strength and courage for them during this difficult time. Born on September 18, 1967, at Dalbing village in Mariyang, Upper Siang district, Mitkong joined government service as a Junior Teacher on December 26, 1995. He entered the Arunachal Pradesh Civil Service (Entry Grade) on March 19, 2007. During a career spanning more than three decades, he served in various capacities across the state. His first posting as an APCS officer was as Circle Officer of Gangte Circle in Kurung Kumey district. He subsequently served in Bilat and Mebo in East Siang district; Yingkiong and Migging in Upper Siang district; Bomdila in West Kameng district; Anini in Dibang Valley district; and Likabali in Lower Siang district. In recognition of his dedicated service, he was promoted to APCS (Senior Grade) in 2017 and APCS (Selection Grade) in 2025. At the time of his demise, Mitkong was serving as SDO Yingkiong, under the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, Upper Siang district. He is survived by his wife, two daughters and two sons. The district administration joined the bereaved family and well-wishers in mourning the loss of a dedicated public servant whose life was marked by integrity, humility and unwavering commitment to public service.

DARAK : A one-day public and stakeholders’ consultative meeting on the theme, “Tourism in Darak: Prospects, Challenges, Initiatives So Far and Way Forward,” was organised by the Darak Tourism and Social Welfare Foundation (DTSWF) at the Community Hall here on May 30. The meeting aimed to gather public feedback, facilitate policy discussions and highlight the NGO’s initiatives for promoting sustainable tourism, environmental conservation and socio-economic development in Darak under West Siang district. Welcoming the participants, DTSWF Managing Director Jummo Potom outlined the organisation’s activities and emphasised the long-term importance of tourism promotion, nature conservation, wildlife protection and community development. The participants deliberated on a range of issues relating to sustainable tourism and environmental management and assured their full support to the initiatives undertaken by DTSWF. Key areas discussed included nature and wildlife conservation, responsible tourism and hospitality practices, research and documentation of local flora and fauna, beautification drives, promotion of homestays and farm stays, fish conservation, eco-tourism activities and the adoption of the Community Conservation Area (CCA) concept. The meeting also discussed proposals for establishing an Orchid Sanctuary-cum-Botanical Garden, introducing a ‘Green School’ concept at Government Secondary School Darak, improving Google mapping and GPS-based identification of tourism sites, and aligning local development initiatives with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The programme witnessed active participation from homestay operators, members of Darak Mahila Samiti, Farmers’ Club, self-help groups (SHGs), students, youth, Panchayati Raj Institution leaders, Gaon Burahs, government officials, market committee members, retired government employees and other stakeholders. The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by DTSWF Associate Director Poknanda Raksap. Marking the occasion, Potom planted a Foxtail Orchid (Rhynchostylis retusa), the State Flower of Arunachal Pradesh, in Darak township as a symbolic step towards promoting environmental awareness, biodiversity conservation and nature-based tourism. The initiative forms part of a pilot project being implemented by the Darak Biodiversity Club (DBC), a subsidiary organisation of DTSWF, with active community participation. As part of its beautification campaign, DTSWF also distributed Cosmos flower seeds to various colonies of Darak township and nearby villages and launched a community cleanliness drive.