State News

ITANAGAR : National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), Regional Office, Itanagar General Manager-cum-Officer-in-Charge SV Ranga Rao called on Governor Lt Gen KT Parnaik (Retd) at Lok Bhavan on Saturday and discussed measures to strengthen rural livelihoods and enhance economic opportunities for farming and rural communities across Arunachal Pradesh. During the meeting, the Governor underscored NABARD’s pivotal role in promoting sustainable agriculture and integrated rural development. He advised the institution to ensure the timely and uninterrupted flow of credit to the agriculture sector, small-scale enterprises, cottage and village industries, artisans and rural entrepreneurs, enabling them to contribute more effectively to the State’s economy. Referring to his recent interaction with women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in Boleng, Parnaik observed that the women of Arunachal Pradesh are hardworking, resilient and enterprising. He said that with proper guidance, skill development and access to financial resources, they can emerge as key drivers of socio-economic transformation. He urged NABARD to continue supporting grassroots initiatives that empower women and strengthen rural livelihoods. Highlighting the importance of financial inclusion, the Governor stressed the need to strengthen microfinance institutions, SHGs and rural banking networks to ensure that financial services reach underserved and economically weaker sections of society. He said empowering rural communities, particularly women and youth, through accessible credit and livelihood opportunities is essential for achieving inclusive and sustainable development in the State. Ranga Rao assured the Governor that NABARD would continue to work with dedication and commitment to fulfil the aspirations of the people of Arunachal Pradesh, particularly those belonging to rural and agrarian communities.    

ITANAGAR : Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein on Saturday said BJP workers are not just political functionaries but “ambassadors of service, development and social responsibility”. Addressing the valedictory session of the Deendayal Upadhyaya Prashikshan Maha Abhiyan 2026 for Siang Zone II at Roing in Lower Dibang Valley district, Mein said the training programme helped strengthen ideological clarity, organisational discipline and the spirit of service among party workers. He said the initiative, inspired by Upadhyaya’s philosophy of ‘Integral Humanism and Antyodaya’, reaffirmed the BJP’s commitment to the welfare of the last person in society and the broader goal of national development. “The training programme served as a vital platform to strengthen ideological clarity, organisational discipline and the spirit of service among our dedicated workers,” he said in a social media post. Reflecting on the party’s ideological foundations, Mein said the BJP’s growth has been driven by an unwavering focus on national interest. “From the vision of Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee and the sacrifices of countless workers to the transformative leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP’s journey has always been guided by the principle of ‘Nation First’,” he said. He said BJP workers have consistently demonstrated their commitment to public service. “Our karyakartas are not merely political workers; they are ambassadors of service, development and social responsibility,” he said, citing their contributions during natural disasters, the COVID-19 pandemic and various community welfare initiatives. The deputy CM said it would inspire renewed commitment to serving the nation with integrity, dedication and selflessness. He felicitated noted social workers from Dibang Valley and Lower Dibang Valley districts for their contributions to society. (Source: PTI)    

YAZALI : The concluding day of Beej Utsav 2026 brought together scientists, policymakers, community leaders and grassroots stakeholders at Government Higher Secondary School, Yazali, reaffirming Keyi Panyor’s status as India’s first “Bio-Happy District” and outlining a roadmap for sustainable and climate-resilient development. Co-organised by the 16th Yachuli Assembly Constituency MLA Office, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Keyi Panyor, Arunachal State Rural Livelihoods Mission (ArSRLM) and the MS Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF), the event focused on integrating scientific innovation with indigenous knowledge systems. A technical panel on nature-based solutions, chaired by Principal Chief Conservator of Forests P Subramanian, examined how the district’s forests, wetlands and agro-ecosystems can serve as natural buffers against climate change. The panel prepared recommendations for submission to the State Government for incorporation into Arunachal Pradesh’s State Action Plan on Climate Change. Padma Bhushan awardee Rajeev Sethi conducted a design workshop highlighting the potential of agricultural by-products such as rice straw, bamboo offcuts and seed husks for use in handicrafts, sustainable packaging and eco-friendly construction materials. He advocated the establishment of a design incubation cell in Keyi Panyor linked to national craft institutions to promote green entrepreneurship and cultural industries. The highlight of the day was the launch of the “Seeds of Hope” ecological greening initiative, a district-wide programme aimed at mobilising community seed conservers, schoolchildren, tribal councils and youth clubs as custodians of the environment. Presiding over the launch alongside Yachuli MLA Toko Tatung, MSSRF Chairperson Dr Soumya Swaminathan described the initiative as a practical expression of the district’s Biohappiness philosophy, with women and youth playing a central role. The Arunachal Agrobiodiversity Festival and Sustainable Livelihoods Exhibition concluded with a marketplace session showcasing more than 60 indigenous crop varieties, traditional food processing techniques and value-added products developed by community seed conservers, the Spices Board and local enterprises, including NAARA AABA. Organisers announced that a permanent Agrobiodiversity Resource and Market Linkage Centre would be established in the district to strengthen conservation and livelihood opportunities. Addressing the valedictory session, Yachuli MLA Toko Tatung reiterated his commitment to translating the resolutions and recommendations emerging from the festival into concrete policy measures within the current financial year. Dr Swaminathan also announced that MSSRF would partner with KVK Keyi Panyor in documenting and publishing the district’s indigenous ecological knowledge systems to support national-level policy formulation. The valedictory programme was attended by Mebo MLA Oken Tayeng, Keyi Panyor Deputy Commissioner Oli Perme and senior representatives of the co-organising institutions.      

ITANAGAR : Governor Lt Gen KT Parnaik (Retd) on Saturday interacted with students from Kurung Kumey district who have secured admission to Sainik Schools, and encouraged them to uphold discipline, dedication and excellence as they embark on a new phase of their academic journey. During the interaction at Lok Bhavan, the Governor, himself a former Sainik School student, shared his experiences and advised the young achievers to remain focused on academics while building strong character and leadership qualities. Describing Sainik Schools as premier institutions that prepare students for leadership roles and future entry into the National Defence Academy and the Indian Armed Forces, Parnaik said life in these institutions demands discipline, physical fitness, mental resilience and a strong sense of responsibility. Congratulating the students on their achievement, he termed their success a matter of pride for Kurung Kumey district and Arunachal Pradesh. He expressed confidence that they would make the most of the opportunity and emerge as responsible citizens and future leaders. The Governor also appreciated Koloriang Assistant Commissioner Nangram Pingkap for spearheading a free coaching initiative that enabled students from rural and remote areas to successfully clear the entrance examinations. He lauded the efforts of Indian Army personnel, teachers and mentors who guided the students despite geographical and logistical challenges in the district’s interior regions. Parnaik further acknowledged the vital role played by parents in shaping the future of their children and commended them for choosing Sainik Schools as a pathway to quality education, discipline and national service. He said the collective efforts of parents, teachers, mentors and community leaders are crucial in nurturing the nation’s future leaders. Briefing the Governor, Koloriang Assistant Commissioner Nangram Pingkap outlined the district administration’s collaborative efforts with the Indian Army to identify, mentor and prepare students from remote areas of Kurung Kumey for the Sainik School entrance examination. He said sustained guidance, dedicated coaching and community support had contributed significantly to the students’ success. Koloriang MLA Pani Taram, 19 Battalion Jat Regiment Commanding Officer Col Rohit Gularia, Sarli Company Commander Major Sarvodaya Tak, along with parents and teachers, were present on the occasion.  

KHONSA : A Mega Health Mela-cum-Free Eye Screening Camp was organised at Nehru Stadium, Khonsa, on Saturday as part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations marking 50 years of Arunachal Pradesh State Transport Services (APSTS). Organised by the Health Department under the aegis of the District Health Society (DHS), Tirap, the programme aimed to provide comprehensive healthcare services and promote preventive health awareness among the public. The camp was conducted under the supervision of Tirap District Medical Officer (DMO) Dr B Ratan. Khonsa MLA-cum-Advisor to the Transport Minister Chakat Aboh, Tirap Zilla Parishad Chairperson Adv John K K Matey and Tirap Deputy Commissioner Techu Aran visited the camp and appreciated the Health Department’s efforts in extending essential healthcare services to the people. The Free Eye Screening Camp emerged as a major attraction, with 310 individuals undergoing eye examinations. The screening detected 210 cases of refractive errors, 35 cataract cases, 25 cases of allergic conjunctivitis, 12 cases of blepharitis and seven cases of pterygium, while 21 individuals were found to have normal vision. A total of 170 beneficiaries were provided spectacles free of cost. Under the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan 100-Day Campaign, Tirap District Tuberculosis Officer-cum-District Tuberculosis Centre Officer and District AIDS Control Officer Dr Jayanty Thingnok reported that 48 individuals were screened for tuberculosis, while 45 underwent handheld chest X-ray examinations. Screening for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) was conducted by the team led by Tirap District Programme Officer-cum-District Surveillance Officer Dr K Socia. Of the 163 individuals screened, 40 were found to be hypertensive and 17 diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. Free medicines were also distributed to beneficiaries. AYUSH services were provided by Dr F Aran and Dr Runcha Thinra, who conducted consultations and health check-ups for 26 individuals. General health examinations were carried out by Dr S Sumpa. The District AIDS Control Programme team conducted HIV and Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) tests on 146 individuals, with all results returning negative. The health mela witnessed enthusiastic participation from people across the district and served as a one-stop platform for accessing a range of healthcare services. Besides facilitating early detection and treatment of various ailments, the initiative promoted preventive healthcare practices and enhanced health awareness among residents of Tirap district. (DIPR)    

PASIGHAT : A Pan Arunachal Voluntary Blood Donation Programme was organised at Bakin Pertin General Hospital (BPGH), Pasighat, on Saturday, with 25 units of blood collected to strengthen the hospital’s blood bank. The programme was held in memory of late Dr Minge Loyi, former president of Galo Welfare Society (GWS), on his seventh death anniversary, commemorating his lifelong commitment to public service. The blood donation drive was inaugurated by BPGH Medical Superintendent Dr B Apum, who lauded the initiative and encouraged more people to participate in voluntary blood donation campaigns. The donation process was conducted under the supervision of Blood Bank Officer Dr D Modi and his medical team. Organised by the Galo Ao Blood Donation Group, the programme was led by chairman Kengo Zirdo and vice-chairman Gebi Kambu, under the guidance of GWS East Siang District Unit president Er Minkar Doji, general secretary Jompa Kakki and women wing president Gumpi Angu Riba. The drive witnessed enthusiastic participation from members of the community, with 20 men and five women voluntarily donating blood. Organisers said the collected units would help meet emergency requirements and support patients in need of transfusions. The organisers expressed gratitude to all donors, medical personnel, volunteers and Border Roads Task Force (BRTF) personnel for their support in making the programme a success. They also appealed to the public to embrace voluntary blood donation, stating that a single donation can help save lives.