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ITANAGAR :  Arunachal Pradesh and Assam on Wednesday agreed to strengthen cooperation in excise administration, prevention of illicit trade and revenue mobilisation, during a ministerial-level meeting, officials said. Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, who chaired the meeting here, stressed the need for coordinated efforts, technological innovation and regular inter-state engagement to address emerging challenges in the sector, an official statement said. Assam was represented by its Panchayati Raj and Rural Development, Excise, Border Protection and Development Minister Atul Bora, along with senior officials from the finance and excise departments of both the states. Mein, who also holds the Finance, Tax, Excise and Narcotics portfolio, highlighted the longstanding relationship between Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, built on mutual trust, cooperation and shared aspirations for regional development. He said close coordination between neighbouring states is vital for addressing governance challenges and ensuring effective implementation of laws and policies. The two sides held detailed discussions on strengthening collaboration in excise management, curbing illicit trade, improving enforcement mechanisms, enhancing revenue generation and building institutional capacity, the statement said. The deputy chief minister said the challenges facing excise administration require sustained cooperation between states, and expressed confidence that regular dialogue and joint initiatives would help strengthen governance systems while safeguarding public interest. During the meeting, officials from both states made presentations on ongoing initiatives, operational challenges and potential areas for future collaboration. The discussions also focused on preparing a roadmap for continued engagement through periodic review meetings and coordinated action on issues of common concern. (Source: PTI)        

  YUPIA/KHONSA : Meritorious girl students who excelled in the Class X and XII Board Examinations were felicitated under the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme at separate programmes held in Papum Pare and Tirap districts on Wednesday. In Papum Pare, the Women and Child Development (WCD) Department felicitated district toppers during a programme held at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall in Yupia. The awardees included Yangam Maying of PM Shri Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS), Doimukh, who topped Class X; Bamang Yamu of GHSS Kimin, topper in the Class XII Humanities stream; Nangram Lily of PM Shri GHSS Doimukh, topper in the Science stream; and Nabam Pumin of GHSS Sagalee, topper in the Commerce stream. Each received a cash award of ₹10,000 along with a citation. Addressing the gathering, Papum Pare Deputy Commissioner Lobsang Tsering said education should not be confined to the acquisition of degrees but should contribute to the development of aptitude, skills and personality. He urged students to cultivate reading habits and remain informed about current affairs through regular reading of books and newspapers. Highlighting the significance of the BBBP scheme, Tsering said it was launched to promote the welfare and education of the girl child and encouraged students to become responsible and morally upright citizens. Papum Pare Superintendent of Police Taru Gusar said the awards were meant to motivate students to maintain consistency and strive for higher achievements. Deputy Director of School Education TT Tara noted that such recognition would inspire more girls to excel academically. Earlier, WCD Deputy Director Jaya Aba highlighted the objectives of the BBBP scheme and said the annual felicitation programme aims to encourage girl students to pursue excellence with confidence and determination. In Tirap district, the WCD Department organised a similar felicitation programme at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall in Khonsa to honour outstanding tribal girl students. Addressing the function, Tirap DC Techu Aran said girls are excelling in academics, competitive examinations and leadership roles, often outperforming boys. He called upon parents to provide equal opportunities to daughters and sons and continue investing in girls’ education. Congratulating the awardees, Aran described success as a continuous journey and encouraged the students to keep striving for greater accomplishments. He also stressed that educating girls contributes significantly to the progress of families and society. In her welcome address, Tirap WCD Deputy Director Hacham Bangsia said the BBBP scheme seeks to ensure the survival, protection and education of the girl child while creating opportunities for girls to realise their full potential. Under the scheme, first-position holders in Class X and XII received cash awards of ₹15,000 each, while second-position holders were awarded ₹10,000 each. Among Government Schools, Nyiamjih Agan of Government Secondary School (GSS) Dadam and Nyari Rongsak of Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS) Borduria secured first positions in Class X and XII respectively, while Komnoap Nokbi of Government Town Secondary School (GTSS) Khonsa and Comvian Tesia of GHSS Khonsa secured second positions. In the Government-Aided and Private Recognised Schools category, Chanyok Lowang of RK Sarada Mission School, Khonsa, secured first position in Class X, while Aaronsen C. Tangjang of the same school secured second position. The programmes in both districts were attended by officials, teachers, parents and students, and underscored the importance of empowering girls through education and recognising academic excellence. (DIPR)

ITANAGAR : Six Scout Masters from Arunachal Pradesh have successfully completed the prestigious Himalaya Wood Badge (Scout) Course conducted at the National Training Centre (NTC), Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh, from May 13 to 19. The successful participants are Sanjay Chintey, Karam Gao, Yegnia Don, Jumdo Angu, Tayek Mibang and Taje Mara. The Himalaya Wood Badge is the highest training qualification for Scout Masters and is designed to equip them with advanced leadership, management and training skills for effectively guiding Scout units in educational institutions. Successful completion of the course reflects a high level of commitment to the Scouting movement and youth development. According to the Bharat Scouts and Guides Arunachal Pradesh, the State Headquarters has received the Himalaya Wood Badge parchments of all six participants from the National Headquarters, formally recognizing their successful completion of the course. The organisation extended its congratulations to the newly qualified Scout Masters and conveyed its best wishes for their continued contribution towards promoting Scouting activities and nurturing young leaders across the state.      

NAMSAI : A three-day Capacity Building Programme on Geographical Indications (GI) and Post-GI Initiatives for Livelihood commenced at Hotel Namlau in Namsai on Wednesday. The programme is being organised by the Bankers Institute of Rural Development (BIRD), Kolkata, the apex training institute of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), and will continue till June 19. Designed for representatives of NGOs, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), Organic Farmer Producer Organisations (OFPOs) and other stakeholders engaged in GI-related activities, the programme has drawn participants from various districts of Arunachal Pradesh and neighbouring Assam. Namsai MLA Chau Zingnu Namchoom inaugurated the programme in the presence of Namsai District Planning Officer Dr. Keshab Sarmah, NABARD Deputy General Manager Vivek Anand, BIRD Kolkata Faculty Member-cum-Programme Director Dr. Bhawana Pal, NABARD Assistant General Manager (District Development) Kamal Roy and other stakeholders associated with GI initiatives. Welcoming the participants, Dr. Bhawana Pal highlighted the significance of GI and post-GI interventions in promoting sustainable livelihoods, strengthening value chains and enhancing market opportunities for local producers and artisans. Addressing the gathering, Dr. Keshab Sarmah emphasised the need to increase production of GI products to meet growing market demand. Referring to Khaw Tai (Khamti Rice), he said that while obtaining GI registration is a major achievement, commercial success depends on scaling up production without compromising quality. He also cited the success of the Namsai Fresh brand, noting that effective branding and promotion have significantly boosted demand for locally produced ghee. NABARD Deputy General Manager Vivek Anand outlined the institution’s efforts in facilitating GI registration and supporting post-GI initiatives, including capacity building, branding, packaging, quality standardisation, market linkages and awareness on Intellectual Property Rights to improve producers’ incomes. In his inaugural address, MLA Namchoom lauded NABARD and BIRD Kolkata for organising the programme in Arunachal Pradesh. He reiterated the State Government’s commitment to promoting GI products and stressed the need to strengthen cooperatives and producer institutions for value addition, branding and marketing. Earlier, Kamal Roy delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to BIRD Kolkata, resource persons and participants. He also shared success stories of NABARD’s interventions in rural livelihood promotion and value-chain development in the district. The training programme will feature technical sessions on GI registration, post-GI interventions, branding, marketing, Intellectual Property Rights and successful case studies from across the country, providing participants with practical insights to strengthen GI-based livelihoods. (DIPR)    

Mingkeng Osik PASIGHAT : The Voice of Adi Mega Audition, organised by the Adi Artists Association (AAA), was successfully held at Paddy Retreat in Pasighat, attracting enthusiastic participation from aspiring singers from across the region. A total of 35 contestants appeared before a panel of judges, of whom 20 were selected for the next stage of the competition. The selected contestants are Tonggu Ayom, Vijay Taying, Aido Moyong, Ani Yommin, Ogul Langkam, Bhagyawan Morang, Agung Boli, Nyonyok Talom, David Gao, Mipo Tali, Katu Moyong, Rokom Tasing, Osunam Perme, Orik Yommin, Martina Yao, Ome Borang, Michell Jomang, Karma Rinya, Ijing Ratan and Talat Yosung. The judging panel comprised Tajing Gao, the first Adi to obtain a Master’s degree in Performing Arts; noted singer and lyricist Tanya Padung, organiser of Voice of East Siang and recipient of an All India Radio singing award in 1980; and senior lyricist and composer Nakeng Perme, known for several popular Adi songs, including the hit Sai Sai Sina. Speaking on the occasion, AAA General Secretary-cum-Organising Chairman John Gao said the competition aims to discover, nurture and promote talented singers from the Adi community. He encouraged participants who were not selected to continue honing their skills and return with greater confidence in future editions. He informed that five contestants would be eliminated in each round until the finalists are determined, adding that the initiative is part of the association’s effort to identify hidden musical talent and provide a platform for emerging artists. The event witnessed several impressive performances, reflecting the rich musical potential of the younger generation. Organisers expressed confidence that the competition would contribute significantly to the promotion of Adi music while creating opportunities for talented artists to gain recognition and grow in their musical careers.