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ITANAGAR, AUG 14: The five-day Independence Day Lok Bhavan Games and Sports Competition concluded here on Friday, on the eve of the 80th Independence Day, with over 100 officers and staff participating in various sporting events. Governor KT Parnaik also took part in the competition, which began on August 10 under the theme “Physically Strong, Mentally Awake, Morally Straight.” The tournament, aimed at promoting physical fitness, teamwork and camaraderie, featured badminton, table tennis, tug-of-war and pickleball, a racket sport introduced by the governor to encourage active living. Parnaik urged participants to make physical fitness an integral part of a disciplined lifestyle, saying sports help develop perseverance, leadership and integrity. In pickleball doubles for the above-45 category, Second-in-Command Ramesh Chand and Subedar Karn Singh Shekhawat emerged winners, while Parnaik and Subedar Chob Singh finished runners-up. Major Satyam Pant and Duyu Nabin won the Under-45 pickleball title, with Bhawani Singh and Md Khaliq of the ITBP finishing second. In the above-45 badminton doubles, Pawan Kumar Sain and Samuel Changkija emerged champions, while Subedar Karn Singh Shekhawat and Kumar Rai secured the runners-up position. Pradeep Bisht and Sunil Kujur won the Under-45 badminton doubles, defeating Tati Pabin and Tana Boji. The mixed doubles title went to Dr Jennifer Tayeng and Major Satyam Pant, while YummeTaipodia Takam and Ajoy Kumar Gupta finished runners-up. Team Lok Bhavan Household clinched the tug-of-war title, competing against teams from the ITBP, Governor’s Security Cell and Governor’s Secretariat. In table tennis, Ajoy Kumar Gupta emerged champion, while chief organiser and Finance and Accounts Officer Anand Pait finished runners-up. The winners and runners-up will be felicitated by the governor during the Independence Day celebrations at Lok Bhavan on August 15.  

ITANAGAR : The Arunachal Pradesh Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Pema Khandu, on Thursday approved uniform eligibility criteria for direct recruitment through competitive examinations to all Group A, B and C services and posts under the state government. The criteria will apply to posts and services under state government departments, public sector undertakings, autonomous bodies and local and urban bodies, among others. The provisions will take immediate effect for all Recruitment Rules and Service Rules governing Group A, B and C posts and their equivalents. Under the new criteria, candidates seeking direct recruitment must fulfil three mandatory conditions—possess a valid Permanent Residence Certificate (PRC), be an original inhabitant of Arunachal Pradesh belonging to the Arunachal Pradesh Scheduled Tribe (APST) category, and possess proficiency in any one of the notified Indigenous Tribal Languages of the state. Candidates must also be Indian citizens. The APST certificate must correspond to tribes notified by the Government of India under the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950, as amended from time to time. The Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) and Arunachal Pradesh Staff Selection Board (APSSB) have been directed to incorporate the eligibility clauses and a post-joining language test mechanism in future recruitment advertisements and rules. Other Cabinet decisions In the Education Department, the Cabinet approved a one-time relaxation of two years in the qualifying service/residency period prescribed under the Recruitment Rules, 2010, for promotion to Principal/DDSE. The qualifying period for promotion of Headmasters/Vice-Principals and District Adult Education Officers to Principal/DDSE has been reduced from eight to six years. The decision is expected to facilitate the filling of existing vacancies of Principals in Government Higher Secondary Schools and strengthen academic and administrative management. The Cabinet also approved redesignation of the post of Forester as Deputy Forest Ranger (Special Grade) to recognise and motivate frontline forest personnel and their long-standing service. It approved the Draft Arunachal Pradesh Industrial Development Area Bill, 2026 (APIDA, 2026), for introduction in the Legislative Assembly. The proposed legislation seeks to establish a statutory framework for the planned development, management and maintenance of Industrial Development Areas in the state. The Cabinet further approved amendments to the Senior Statistical Assistant Recruitment Rules, 2000, under the Agriculture Department to regularise changes made through government orders and notifications and incorporate recommendations of the Department of Administrative Reforms and Training relating to pay scale, recruitment age, qualification, recruitment method, Departmental Promotion Committee composition and consultation with APPSC. A one-time relaxation in the qualifying service for promotion from Executive Engineer (EE) to Superintending Engineer (SE) in the Public Works Department was also approved to address the shortage of Superintending Engineers and vacancies affecting cadre management, project supervision and timely execution of infrastructure works. The Cabinet approved shifting of the existing Rupa Highway Division of the Public Works Department to Nafra in Bichom district and its redesignation as the Nafra PWD Division. The move follows the transfer of Frontier Highway works from PWD to NHIDCL/BRO and is aimed at strengthening administrative infrastructure in the newly created district. Amendments to the Recruitment Rules for Field Publicity Assistant (FPA) under the Directorate of Information and Public Relations were also approved to rationalise existing provisions and strengthen field-level public communication. To address the manpower requirement of the Directorate of Sericulture, the Cabinet approved creation of one post of Deputy Director of Sericulture under the Sericulture Department.      

ITANAGAR : A delegation of the All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) on Thursday set out from the union headquarters at the NEFA Club Building here for Taksing in Upper Subansiri district under its “Taksing Chalo, Bharat Bachao” campaign. AAPSU president Meje Taku flagged off the delegation, led by general secretary Mato Bui, and expressed support for the team’s mission to the remote frontier village. Addressing the gathering, Taku warned against what he described as China’s expansionist activities and asserted that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India. He said the people and student community of the state strongly condemned alleged Chinese incursions and activities along the frontier. “Arunachal Pradesh was, is, and will forever remain an integral and unalienable part of India,” Taku said, adding that AAPSU would stand with frontier communities and oppose any threat to the state’s territorial integrity. The visit comes amid concerns raised by residents over alleged incursions and activities by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in and around the Taksing area. Taku called for stronger frontier infrastructure and greater attention to the safety and welfare of people living in remote border villages. “Our borders are not just lines on a map; they are our collective responsibility,” Taku said, describing frontier residents as the “vanguard of the nation” and stating that the “Taksing Chalo” campaign was aimed at reaffirming the solidarity of Arunachal’s youth with border communities and the armed forces. In a notification issued on Thursday, Taku also called upon community-based organisations, AAPSU federal units, student bodies and citizens, particularly those in Upper Subansiri district, to extend cooperation and participate in the programme. He said the concerns repeatedly raised by residents of remote border villages required urgent attention from both the Government of India and the Arunachal Pradesh Government, stressing that their safety, security and welfare should remain a national priority. During the visit, the delegation is scheduled to hold interactive meetings with village heads, youth groups and community-based organisations to document local grievances. AAPSU plans to prepare a ground-assessment report for submission to the Centre and the state government, seeking enhanced security, stronger border infrastructure and accelerated development in remote frontier areas. The campaign is scheduled to culminate on August 15, when the delegation will hoist the National Flag at Taksing as a reaffirmation of the people of Arunachal Pradesh’s commitment to the country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.    

ITANAGAR : Tiranga rallies, yatras, bike and cycle rallies and other patriotic programmes continued across Arunachal Pradesh on Thursday as part of the nationwide Har Ghar Tiranga campaign and celebrations marking 150 years of “Vande Mataram” ahead of Independence Day. Tawang: A Tiranga Bike and Cycle Yatra was organised from Chhamleng near Tawang Monastery to the historic Tawang War Memorial, with participants carrying the National Flag and raising patriotic slogans including “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Vande Mataram”. The yatra was jointly flagged off by Tawang Additional Deputy Commissioner Rinchin Leta, Superintendent of Police Tasi Darang, ZPM Kyidphel Tenzin Monpa and ZPM Tawang Sonam Nordzin. Members of the Tawang Cycling Association, political parties, police personnel and the public participated in the event. At the Tawang War Memorial, the participants were received by the Deputy Commander and senior officers of the Tawang Brigade. The culmination at the memorial, a symbol of the valour and sacrifice of soldiers who laid down their lives in defence of the nation, added significance to the programme. Meanwhile, a Swachhata Abhiyaan was carried out across Tawang township from Tawang Monastery to Changbu, covering the three major markets and adjoining colonies. Residents joined the cleanliness drive to beautify public spaces ahead of Independence Day. Markets, homes and establishments were also decorated with Tiranga-themed lights and National Flags. Yachuli: A Tiranga Padyatra was organised from Hotel 3D to General Ground, Yachuli, as part of Har Ghar Tiranga 2026 and the celebrations marking 150 years of “Vande Mataram”. The padyatra was led by Keyi Panyor Deputy Commissioner Ankita Mishra, Zilla Parishad Chairperson Nabam Piju and DACO In-charge Hage Okang. Administrative officers, heads of departments, ZPMs, PRI leaders, government officials, teachers, students and members of the Yachuli Market Welfare Committee participated. Addressing the gathering, Nabam Piju highlighted the importance of the National Flag and recalled the sacrifices of freedom fighters. She urged students to remain disciplined and sincere in their studies and grow into responsible and peace-loving citizens. Ankita Mishra explained the significance of the three colours of the National Flag, with saffron representing courage and sacrifice, white peace and green prosperity and hope. She urged people to uphold these values in their daily lives. She also reviewed the rehearsal of parade contingents at the General Ground and took stock of preparations for the Independence Day celebrations. The programme concluded with the collective singing of “Vande Mataram” and distribution of sweets. Tezu: A Tiranga Yatra and “Vande Mataram” programme was also organised at Tezu with enthusiastic participation from officials, students, security personnel and the public. ZPM Tezu Baplalum Chiba attended the programme as chief guest, while ZPM Sunpura Gulapso Bellai was the guest of honour. Lohit Deputy Commissioner Kesang Ngurup Damo and Superintendent of Police Thutan Jamba were also present. Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Commissioner highlighted the significance of “Vande Mataram” in India’s freedom movement and the role of the Tiranga Yatra in promoting patriotism, unity and respect for the National Flag. Baplalum Chiba paid tribute to the freedom fighters and urged the younger generation to draw inspiration from their courage, dedication and spirit of selfless service. He called upon citizens to uphold unity, peace, discipline and patriotism. DACO Bitchey Rijiju, while welcoming the participants, said the celebration provided an opportunity to recall the ideals of the freedom movement and strengthen national integration and patriotism. The programme was attended by BJP district president Gamso Bellai, heads of departments, ITBP personnel, representatives of political parties, Gaon Burahs, students, members of the public and other stakeholders. Basar: The Leparada district administration organised a mass Tiranga Yatra at Basar. The rally witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, government employees, members of the public, police personnel and personnel of the 49th Battalion ITBP. Leparada DC Himani Meena and Basar MLA Nyabi Jini Dirchi led the yatra, which began at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office complex and passed through the main township, market areas and the Government Higher Secondary School before culminating at Todak Basar Memorial Stadium. Participants carried the Tricolour and raised slogans of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Vande Mataram” as the rally moved through the township. Addressing the gathering at the stadium, Meena urged participants to remember the sacrifices of freedom fighters and paid tribute to the soldiers guarding the country’s borders. She said their dedication and sacrifice enable citizens to live in freedom and hold the National Flag with pride. Dirchi also paid tribute to the freedom fighters and highlighted the Tiranga as a symbol of peace, unity and national pride. She urged citizens, particularly the younger generation, to uphold the dignity of the National Flag and the values it represents.   Likabali: An exhibition on the Indian National Flag was organised at the Circuit House, Likabali, as part of the ongoing Har Ghar Tiranga campaign. The exhibition was organised by the Department of Art and Culture, Lower Siang, in collaboration with the Information and Public Relations (IPR) Department. Likabali DC Mokar Riba inaugurated the exhibition in the presence of heads of departments and other officials. Students from various schools in Likabali, along with NCC cadets of Government Higher Secondary School, Likabali, participated in the programme. Addressing the gathering, Riba highlighted the significance of the Tricolour and stressed the importance of respecting and upholding the values it represents. He urged teachers to educate students about the history, significance and symbolism of the National Flag to foster patriotism and national pride among the younger generation. He appreciated the efforts of the Departments of Art and Culture and IPR in organising the exhibition, stating that such initiatives provide citizens, particularly students, an opportunity to learn about the evolution of the National Flag and the sacrifices associated with India’s freedom struggle. The exhibition showcased the historical evolution of the Tricolour, its significance and its role as a symbol of unity, sovereignty and national identity. (DIPR)