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ITANAGAR : Governor Lt Gen KT Parnaik (Retd) on Saturday chaired a high-level review meeting at Raj Bhavan to assess measures being undertaken by the Arunachal Pradesh Police for the safety and protection of women and children in the state. Expressing deep concern over crimes against women and children, particularly cases registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, the Governor reviewed the prevailing situation as well as the progress of investigations and prosecutions. He observed that while the number of POCSO cases remains a matter of serious concern, the rate of successful prosecution is low. Calling for the strengthening of the Directorate of Prosecution, Parnaik said crimes under the POCSO Act inflict lifelong trauma on children and their families while shaking the conscience of society. He stressed that every case represents a child whose trust, safety and future have been compromised, making it imperative for all stakeholders to act with urgency and commitment. Advocating a “Whole of State” approach, the Governor said the responsibility of protecting women and children cannot rest solely with law enforcement agencies. He called for the active involvement of Gaon Burahs, community leaders, educational institutions, parents and civil society organisations. Parnaik also directed Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police to address the issue in mission mode through coordinated district-level efforts, observing that greater community vigilance and a sense of collective responsibility could bring about significant positive change. The meeting was attended by Home Principal Secretary Kaling Tayeng, Director General of Police S.D. Singh Jamwal, Women and Child Development Commissioner Nyali Ete, Secretary-cum-Ex-Officio Director of Prosecution Nani Grayu and Assistant Inspector General of Police S. Singpho. The officials deliberated on measures to strengthen prevention, investigation, prosecution and victim support mechanisms. During the meeting, Crime Deputy Inspector General of Police Dr Joy Tirkey presented an overview of crimes against women and children in the state. He also briefed the Governor on Project Abhaya, a community-oriented initiative of the Arunachal Pradesh Police aimed at enhancing public awareness, strengthening police-public trust and promoting community participation in ensuring the safety and well-being of women and children.    

ITANAGAR : Wayshi Sangno of East Kameng district has become the first fighter from Arunachal Pradesh to win a professional MMA bout in Indonesia after defeating Indonesia’s Namr Arad by first-round technical knockout (TKO) in the strawweight division at Canggu Fight Night 39. Fighting for India, Sangno took control of the bout from the start. He picked up Arad, slammed him to the canvas and followed it up with ground-and-pound strikes. Arad tried to fight back with two guillotine choke attempts from the bottom, but Sangno escaped both without much trouble. The Abrasumante Gym fighter continued landing punches from the top position, leaving the Indonesian with little chance to recover. With about 30 seconds remaining in the opening round, the referee stopped the fight to save Arad from further punishment and declared Sangno the winner by TKO. The victory is a major milestone for Arunachal’s MMA community, as Sangno became the first Arunachali to register a professional MMA victory in Indonesia. Sangno is the son of Nani Weshi Sangno and Late Darmang Weshi Sangno of Weshi village under Pakoti Circle in East Kameng district.        

Staff Reporter ITANAGAR : The Arunachal Pradesh Aggrieved Aspirant Joint Steering Committee (APA-AJSC) on Saturday alleged serious irregularities in the recruitment process conducted by the Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) for Assistant Engineer (AE) and Junior Engineer (JE) posts under the Rural Works Department (RWD) and Hydro Power Development Department (HPDD), claiming that the existing recruitment rules unfairly encroach upon Civil Engineering vacancies. Addressing a press conference here, APA-AJSC chairman Er Mering Rana demanded immediate corrective measures in the recruitment process and called for the termination of all Agriculture Engineering candidates recruited to AE and JE posts under the RWD and HPDD through the APPSC. The committee urged the state government and the APPSC to review the recruitment rules, rectify what it described as anomalies in the examination process, and ensure that Civil Engineering posts are filled only by candidates possessing the requisite professional qualifications. It also called for measures to safeguard transparency, merit and public safety in engineering recruitment across the state. Rana alleged that the inclusion of Agriculture Engineering candidates in the Arunachal Engineering Service Examination (AESE) and Junior Engineer Common Recruitment Examination (JECRE) for Civil Engineering posts violates recruitment norms, compromises professional standards and adversely affects Civil Engineering aspirants. Claiming that there is a fundamental mismatch between the two disciplines, Rana said Civil Engineering covers structural design, transportation, surveying, geotechnics and public infrastructure development, whereas Agriculture Engineering primarily focuses on farm machinery, irrigation, soil and water conservation, and post-harvest technology. “Treating the two disciplines as equivalent for recruitment to Civil Engineering posts is academically and professionally unjustified,” Rana said. The committee also questioned the examination pattern adopted by the APPSC, alleging that separate question papers were set for Civil Engineering and Agriculture Engineering candidates despite both competing for the same Civil Engineering vacancies. Such a system, it claimed, violates the principle of uniform competition and creates disparities in the evaluation process, potentially affecting merit rankings. It further argued that allowing non-Civil Engineering graduates to occupy engineering positions in departments responsible for roads, bridges, dams and other public infrastructure could compromise engineering ethics, safety standards and the efficient utilisation of public funds. Referring to recruitment practices followed by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), the committee alleged that Agriculture Engineering candidates are not eligible to compete for Civil Engineering services under the UPSC, whereas the APPSC has permitted them to appear in the AESE, describing the move as inconsistent with established recruitment norms. The committee maintained that the core responsibilities of the HPDD and the RWD require specialised Civil Engineering expertise, as both departments are primarily engaged in the construction of dams, roads, bridges and other major infrastructure projects. It asserted that Agriculture Engineering follows a different academic framework under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) guidelines and does not provide the specialised training required for such assignments. The APA-AJSC also pointed out that Agriculture Engineering candidates were reportedly declared ineligible for the recently conducted JECRE for the HPDD, while they were allowed to appear in the AESE for similar Civil Engineering posts. It termed the differing eligibility criteria contradictory and sought uniformity in future recruitment. Warning of legal action, Rana said, “We shall initiate legal proceedings against those responsible for these irregularities in the AE and JE recruitment process.”  

NAHARLAGUN : Legal Metrology and Consumer Affairs Minister Gabriel D Wangsu on Saturday directed officials to expedite enforcement under the Legal Metrology Act and Rules, stressing the need for intensified inspections and prompt disposal of enforcement cases to safeguard consumer interests across the state. Chairing a Chintan Baithak-cum-Review Meeting at the conference hall of the Controller of Legal Metrology and Consumer Affairs in Naharlagun, the minister reviewed the implementation of centrally sponsored, state-sponsored and ongoing departmental schemes, besides assessing the department’s overall performance. The meeting was attended by Legal Metrology and Consumer Affairs Secretary Mige Kamki, Controller Minte Siga, Under Secretary Kipa Yakum, Deputy Controllers, Assistant Controllers, Inspectors and other departmental officials. Wangsu emphasised the need to strengthen the department’s enforcement mechanism in view of the changing dynamics of the business sector. He called for regular capacity-building programmes and exposure visits to other states to enable enforcement officers to adopt best practices. Directing officials to speed up the disposal of establishment-related matters and enforcement cases, the minister instructed enforcement officers to extend inspections to every nook and corner of their respective districts through the standing Mobile Inspection Teams (MITs) operating at the zonal level. He also stressed the importance of maintaining a peaceful and conducive office environment to ensure the timely disposal of files and public complaints. Addressing the meeting, Legal Metrology and Consumer Affairs Secretary Mige Kamki urged officers to become proficient in digital office applications to enhance efficiency and self-reliance. He also advised district units to function cohesively to achieve the annual revenue targets fixed by the state government, adding that performance would be reflected in the Annual Performance Appraisal Reports (APARs) of officers. Earlier, welcoming the participants, Controller Minte Siga called upon officers to actively contribute to the deliberations and help formulate a roadmap for the department’s future growth. He also stressed the importance of fostering a cordial and positive work environment for the overall welfare of the department.      

KHONSA : A workshop on the development of the Nocte script was held at the Deputy Commissioner’s conference hall in Khonsa on Saturday as part of ongoing efforts to preserve and standardise the Nocte language. The workshop was jointly organised by the Nocte Script Development Committee (NSDC) and the Centre for Endangered Languages (CFEL), Arunachal Institute of Tribal Studies (AITS), Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU). It followed a preliminary consultation held on June 20 and brought together representatives from different Nocte dialect groups. The programme was convened by Ngaasah Tangjang and chaired by Tirap Deputy Commissioner Techu Aran. RGU linguist Dr Wanglit Mongchan served as the resource person and guided discussions on adapting the Roman script for the Nocte language. A drafting committee comprising Gankhu Sumnyan, Noklam Bisai and Wangtum Homcha Lowang was constituted to compile the deliberations and recommendations of the workshop. Teachers, scholars, community leaders, Panchayati Raj representatives and stakeholders from various Nocte villages actively participated in the deliberations, emphasising the need for a common script to preserve the community’s linguistic heritage and support educational development. The organisers described the workshop as a significant milestone in the process of developing and standardising the Nocte script. They said it marks the first in a series of planned consultations aimed at strengthening the script and securing wider acceptance across all Nocte dialect groups. Among those present were Tirap Zilla Parishad Chairperson Adv. John KK Matey, Lazu ZPM Adv. Najen Rangwang, Soha ZPM Wanglem Thingnok, Deputy Director of the Department of Tirap, Changlang and Longding (DoTCL) Wangton Lowang, besides intellectuals and other Panchayati Raj members.    

ITANAGAR : Padma Shri awardee Dr Rajnikant, popularly known as the “GI Man of India”, visited the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) Arunachal Pradesh Regional Office on Friday to discuss the promotion and preservation of the state’s unique Geographical Indication (GI) products. The meeting was attended by NABARD Arunachal Pradesh General Manager S.V. Ranga Rao, Deputy General Manager Vivek Anand and other officials. The discussions focused on NABARD’s initiatives to support rural artisans, weavers, craftsmen, farmers, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and Self-Help Groups (SHGs), with particular emphasis on facilitating GI certification for the state’s distinctive products. The participants also deliberated on strategies to preserve and promote GI products, noting that such initiatives can enhance livelihood opportunities while enabling rural communities to derive greater economic benefits from Arunachal Pradesh’s rich cultural and natural heritage. NABARD highlighted that it has supported the highest number of GI sanctions and applications in the country, covering a wide range of products, including several ethnic and tribal products. Dr Rajnikant commended NABARD’s proactive efforts to promote the state’s unique products and underscored the importance of GI tagging in preserving traditional knowledge, enhancing product value and creating better market opportunities for local communities. The discussions also reiterated the need to preserve traditional products while connecting them to wider national and global markets. NABARD, in turn, acknowledged Dr Rajnikant’s significant contribution and the support extended by his organisation in advancing GI tagging initiatives in Arunachal Pradesh, and reaffirmed the value of its strategic partnership with him.    

ITANAGAR : Faculty members from Arunachal Pradesh presented research papers on inclusive education at the 19th Biennial Conference of the International Association of Special Education (IASE), held from June 21 to 26 at Royal Thimphu College in Bhutan. Hosted in collaboration with Royal Thimphu College, the conference also marked the 40th anniversary of the IASE and brought together academicians, practitioners, healthcare professionals, social workers, clinicians, policymakers, psychologists, administrators and family members from 28 countries to deliberate on innovations in special education and inclusive learning. Rajiv Gandhi University Department of Education Professor Anga Padu presented a paper titled “Inclusive Practices at Elementary Stage in Arunachal Pradesh.” She highlighted nine classroom and school-level practices adopted by elementary teachers to promote inclusive education, stressing that simple yet meaningful changes in day-to-day teaching can significantly enhance learning opportunities for all children, including those with disabilities and students from diverse socio-economic, cultural and regional backgrounds. Among the practices highlighted were mixed-gender seating arrangements, equal classroom participation, peer tutoring, remedial classes, leadership opportunities based on merit and responsibility, counselling support, school kitchen gardening and encouraging students to wear traditional attire on the 15th of every month to foster inclusivity and cultural awareness. Binni Yanga Government Women’s College Department of Education Associate Professor Dr Minu Sono presented a paper titled “Attitude of College Teachers towards Inclusive Education in Arunachal Pradesh.” She examined the awareness and attitudes of college teachers towards inclusive education and emphasised the need for collective efforts to strengthen positive perceptions, noting that teachers play a vital role in building an inclusive society. The conference provided a platform for delegates to exchange experiences and best practices in inclusive education while offering participants an opportunity to learn about Bhutan’s education system, curriculum and culture. Founded in 1985, the International Association of Special Education is a non-profit organisation dedicated to improving the quality of life and educational support services for individuals with special needs through the promotion of inclusive and equitable education worldwide.    

ITANAGAR : The Arunachal Pradesh Science Centre, a unit of the Arunachal Pradesh State Council for Science and Technology (APSCS&T), in collaboration with the New Delhi-based Centre for Scientific Outreach, organised a one-day Aviation Outreach Programme on Saturday to introduce students to emerging developments in aviation, aerospace and drone technology. The programme aimed to familiarise young learners with advancements in the sector while encouraging them to explore career opportunities in aviation and allied fields. Around 100 participants attended the event, including students from Green Mount School and other schools across the Itanagar Capital Region (ICR), accompanied by teachers, cadets of the 1st AP Battalion National Cadet Corps (NCC) from Rajiv Gandhi Government Polytechnic College, and internship trainees from Dera Natung Government College. Addressing the gathering, APSCS&T Chairman Dr Tage Taki urged students to make optimum use of the scientific infrastructure available in the state. Highlighting the transformative potential of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), he said drone technology could revolutionise the delivery of life-saving medicines and essential supplies to remote and inaccessible areas of Arunachal Pradesh. Dr Taki encouraged students to develop a solution-oriented mindset to address real-world challenges and make use of the Reverse Engineering Facility at the Centre of Excellence for Science, Technology, Innovation and Research (CoE-STIR). Stressing the importance of curiosity and innovation, he remarked that “young minds are like a blank canvas.” Welcoming the participants, AP Science Centre Curator Vivek Kumar emphasised that scientific outreach should extend beyond classrooms to the grassroots level. He noted that drone technology holds immense potential to improve connectivity, development and public service delivery in a geographically challenging state like Arunachal Pradesh. The programme featured expert sessions combining theoretical knowledge with practical exposure. National Aviation Olympiad National Coordinator Vaibhav Varun of the Centre for Scientific Outreach delivered a presentation on emerging aviation technologies in India, covering drone regulations, certification pathways, aviation safety, global employment prospects and career opportunities. The session concluded with an interactive question-and-answer segment. A live drone demonstration was conducted at Parade Ground, IG Park, by North East Centre for Technology Application and Reach (NECTAR), Guwahati, expert Gajendra Kumar Gangwar. Participants were introduced to UAV fundamentals, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) Drone Rules, 2021, sensor payloads, calibration procedures, safety protocols and flight simulations. The organisers said the outreach programme successfully bridged the gap between classroom learning and practical technological applications by providing students with valuable insights into contemporary developments in aviation and drone technology.