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ITANAGAR : The All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) has urged the state government to immediately fill teacher vacancies and undertake large-scale upgradation of school infrastructure across Arunachal Pradesh. A delegation of the union, led by president Meje Taku and general secretary Mato Bui, called on Education Minister P D Sona here on Wednesday and submitted a 27-point memorandum seeking reforms across school, college and university education in the state. Focusing primarily on school education, AAPSU said around 52 government schools — out of 109 higher secondary and 189 secondary schools — are functioning without regular principals or vice principals. The union said prolonged in-charge arrangements have affected academic and administrative functioning and demanded immediate appointment of principals, vice principals and headmasters on a time-bound basis. AAPSU also sought a state-wide recruitment drive to fill vacancies of Primary Teachers (PRT), Trained Graduate Teachers (TGT) and Post Graduate Teachers (PGT), stating that every child has a constitutional right to access qualified teachers. The union further raised concern over the absence of Physical Education and Music teachers in government schools, citing provisions of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009. Seeking improvement in basic educational facilities, AAPSU demanded a comprehensive infrastructure revamp in government schools, particularly in border and remote areas. It also called for strict implementation of the RTE Act, regular delivery of mid-day meals, free textbooks and uniforms, and introduction of a uniform fee structure in government schools to prevent arbitrary fee collection. At the higher education level, the union demanded recruitment to vacant Assistant Professor and Associate Professor posts in government degree colleges and sought introduction of new academic departments in colleges where several disciplines are unavailable. AAPSU also pressed for appointment of regular Vice Chancellors at Arunachal Pradesh University (APU), Pasighat, and Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU), Doimukh, besides seeking expansion of infrastructure, hostel facilities and faculty strength in higher educational institutions. The union further appealed to the government to address delays in disbursement of Umbrella Scholarships, stating that many students studying outside the state face financial hardship due to irregular release of scholarship funds. Education Minister P D Sona assured the delegation that the issues raised would receive due attention. AAPSU said it would continue to follow up on the demands and expect time-bound action from the government.    

     ITANAGAR : Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein on Thursday hailed the launch of ”Mission Arunachal Kiwi: The USP of Arunachal Pradesh” as a transformative initiative aimed at empowering farmers and building a globally competitive organic kiwi ecosystem in the state. Mein said the mission would strengthen the entire kiwi value chain, from cultivation and post-harvest management to branding, exports and agri-tourism, while opening up new economic opportunities for farmers of the state. ”The launch of Mission Arunachal Kiwi: The USP of Arunachal Pradesh marks a transformative step towards empowering our farmers and building a globally competitive organic kiwi ecosystem from Arunachal Pradesh,” he said in a post on X. Highlighting the Centre’s support for the initiative, Mein said the mission has been launched under the ”visionary leadership” of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and with the guidance of Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia. ”With the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji and the guidance of Hon’ble Union Minister Shri Jyotiraditya M Scindia ji, this mission will strengthen the entire kiwi value chain from cultivation and post-harvest management to branding, export and agri-tourism,” Mein said. The deputy chief minister observed that Arunachal Pradesh already contributes more than 50 per cent of India’s kiwi production and said the convergence-driven initiative would help farmers gain better infrastructure, improved market access and higher value realisation. ”Through this convergence-driven initiative, our kiwi farmers will now gain better infrastructure, improved market access, enhanced value realisation and new global opportunities,” he said. Mein further expressed confidence that ‘Arunachal Organic Kiwi’ would soon emerge as an international brand representing quality, sustainability and the strength of the state’s farming communities. ”From the orchards of Lower Subansiri, West Kameng, Shi Yomi and Dibang Valley to international markets, Arunachal Organic Kiwi is set to become a proud global brand representing quality, sustainability and the strength of our farming communities,” he added. The mission was officially launched in New Delhi on Wednesday by Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia during a programme organised by the Ministry of DoNER in collaboration with the Arunachal Pradesh government and other stakeholders. The initiative aims to promote Arunachal Pradesh as India’s leading hub for organic kiwi cultivation while creating a structured ecosystem for processing, branding and export promotion. Officials said the mission focuses on strengthening the kiwi supply chain through scientific cultivation practices, cold storage facilities, value addition, better logistics and direct market linkages for farmers. It is also expected to promote agri-tourism and encourage private sector investment in the horticulture sector, they said. Arunachal Pradesh has emerged as the country’s largest kiwi-producing state over the years due to its favourable climatic conditions, especially in districts such as Lower Subansiri, West Kameng, Shi Yomi, Tawang and Dibang Valley. (Source: PTI)

UMIAM : Agriculture and Horticulture Minister Gabriel D Wangsu held extensive deliberations with scientists and officials of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Research Complex for North Eastern Hill (NEH) Region at Umiam in Meghalaya, focusing on technological interventions and institutional collaboration to strengthen agriculture and allied sectors in the state. Describing the interaction as “highly meaningful,” Wangsu said the discussions centred on addressing key agricultural challenges through scientific innovation, research-based solutions and collaborative initiatives between the Government of Arunachal Pradesh and ICAR institutions. During the meeting, the state delegation sought scientific and technological solutions to several site-specific issues, including the use of small machinery for land terracing and jhumland reclamation, citrus decline and pollination problems in kiwi cultivation. The two sides also explored training and capacity-building initiatives under the Catch Them Young Programme of the agriculture and allied departments to promote agri-business and entrepreneurship among youths. The meeting was attended by the Director of the ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, the Director of ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute (ATARI) Zone VII, senior scientists, researchers and institute officials. Wangsu was accompanied by Agriculture Secretary Samuel Changkija and Agriculture Secretary Koj Rinya. On the second day of the visit, the Minister toured several research and demonstration facilities on the institute campus, including the All India Coordinated Research Project on Pig, Division of Animal and Fisheries Science, Agro-processing Centre, Engineering Section, Farming System Research Project, Integrated Farming System demonstration units and the National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture programme. During the tour, Wangsu interacted with scientists and technical experts and reviewed modern farming technologies and innovations developed for the North Eastern region. Discussions focused on sustainable agriculture, climate-resilient farming practices, integrated farming systems, livestock development, value addition and technology-driven solutions aimed at improving productivity and enhancing farmers’ livelihoods.    

ITANAGAR :  In a move aimed at strengthening grassroots administration and improving public service delivery, Doimukh MLA Nabam Vivek donated a new Bolero vehicle to the Gumto Circle Officer (CO) office from his personal resources. The vehicle was handed over to facilitate official movement and improve administrative functioning, particularly in remote areas requiring regular field visits and public outreach activities. Speaking on the occasion, Vivek said efficient grassroots administration remains a priority and assured continued support to government offices engaged in public welfare activities. He also informed that similar assistance would be extended to the Sangdupota and Taraso circle areas in the near future. Officials of the Gumto CO office expressed gratitude for the contribution and stated that the vehicle would significantly help in carrying out official responsibilities and enhancing service delivery to the public. (DIPR)  

TAWANG : A coordination meeting on Phase-III of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll in Arunachal Pradesh was held at the Deputy Commissioner’s conference hall here on Thursday. The meeting was chaired by Tawang Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Election Officer (DEO) Namgyal Angmo and attended by Electoral Registration Officers (EROs), Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs) and representatives of various political parties. During the meeting, Assistant Commissioner (Election) Sange Norbu briefed participants on the schedule and roadmap for the revision exercise. He informed that preparatory activities, including training and printing of materials, will be conducted from June 5 to 14. The house-to-house verification drive by Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will be carried out from June 15 to July 14, while the draft electoral roll will be published on July 21. The period for filing claims and objections will continue till August 20, followed by disposal of claims and objections up to September 18. The final electoral roll is scheduled to be published on September 22. Emphasising the importance of accuracy and inclusiveness in the electoral process, Tawang Deputy Commissioner-cum-DEO Namgyal Angmo urged political parties to appoint Booth Level Agents (BLAs) at the earliest and actively participate in the revision exercise to help ensure an error-free electoral roll. The meeting focused on effective coordination and smooth conduct of the SIR exercise, highlighting the collective responsibility of officials and stakeholders in maintaining transparency and integrity in the electoral process. All concerned officials and representatives of political parties were urged to extend full cooperation for timely completion of the revision process in accordance with the schedule notified by the Election Commission of India. (DIPR)