State News

TAWANG : A district-level meeting on solid waste management held here on Thursday resolved to strengthen community participation and promote scientific waste management practices across Tawang district. The meeting, chaired by Tawang Deputy Commissioner Namgyal Angmo, was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioners Rinchin Leta and Tashi Dhondup, Zila Parishad members, representatives of the Indian Army, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), non-governmental organisations, students and Material Recovery Facility (MRF) operators. A major highlight of the meeting was a presentation by Lungla Additional Deputy Commissioner Tashi Dhondup on the community-led waste management initiative in Jemeithang, which has emerged as a successful model through active public participation. He highlighted the support extended to the initiative by the state government and local stakeholders, and acknowledged the contribution of the NGO Further and Beyond in its implementation. Material Recovery Facility operators from Jemeithang, Lhou and Tawang also shared their experiences, achievements and challenges in implementing sustainable waste management practices. Addressing the gathering, Angmo described the Jemeithang initiative as a model worthy of replication and urged Zila Parishad and Panchayat leaders to promote similar community-driven initiatives in their respective areas. She observed that waste was still being disposed of without proper treatment in many places and stressed the need to adopt scientific waste management practices. Reiterating the district administration’s commitment to a cleaner and plastic-free Tawang, she said the ban on single-use plastics and drinking water bottles below two litres would continue to be strictly enforced through regular inspections and surprise checks. The meeting also featured speeches by winners of the district-level waste management speech competition, who highlighted the importance of environmental conservation and responsible waste disposal. Zila Parishad members assured the administration of their support and suggested the formation of committees at different levels to strengthen implementation and monitoring of waste management initiatives. (DIPR)          

ITANAGAR : Newly nominated Rajya Sabha member Tai Tagak was accorded a welcome by the State unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), on Thursday following his return after taking oath as the state’s lone representative in the Upper House of Parliament. Senior BJP leaders, party workers and supporters felicitated Tagak and expressed confidence that he would effectively represent Arunachal Pradesh in Parliament. During the programme, Tagak interacted with party workers and appreciated their contribution to strengthening the organisation across the state. On the occasion, he donated one month’s salary in advance to the BJP Arunachal Pradesh unit. The party leadership said his nomination to the Rajya Sabha would further strengthen Arunachal Pradesh’s voice in Parliament. Among those present were State BJP General Secretary Tadar Niglar, Vice-President Dungoli Libang, Tarh Shoping and other party office-bearers.

PASIGHAT : Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Union Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, accompanied by Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, on Wednesday visited flood-affected Boying village in East Siang district to assess the damage caused by the recent overflow of the Sibo Korong River. The leaders inspected the affected areas, interacted with residents and reviewed the impact of the floods on public infrastructure, agricultural land and private property. They also took stock of the relief and restoration measures being undertaken by the district administration. Addressing the affected residents, Chouhan assured that the Centre would extend all possible assistance for relief, rehabilitation and restoration. He said the Union Government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, remains committed to supporting Arunachal Pradesh in rebuilding damaged infrastructure and ensuring timely assistance to affected families. Rijiju said the widespread damage in Arunachal Pradesh and neighbouring Assam was caused by exceptionally heavy rainfall during the ongoing monsoon. He reiterated the Centre’s commitment to supporting restoration works and the rehabilitation of affected communities. Khandu said the state government’s priority was to ensure the safety and well-being of the affected people, provide timely relief, restore damaged infrastructure and expedite rehabilitation. He assured that no effort would be spared to ensure assistance reaches every affected household. The inspection was attended by East Siang Guardian Minister Nyato Dukam, Pasighat East MLA Tapi Darang, Mebo MLA Oken Tayeng, East Siang Deputy Commissioner Sonalika Jiwani, East Siang Superintendent of Police Pankaj Lamba, Bharatiya Janata Party Arunachal Pradesh president Kaling Moyong and heads of departments concerned.      

ITANAGAR : Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan called on Governor Lt Gen K T Parnaik (Retd) at Lok Bhavan here on Wednesday. During the meeting, they discussed the damage caused by recent floods in the state, strengthening irrigation, connectivity and rural infrastructure, promotion of organic farming and high-value crops, and enhancing skill development, agri-technology and market linkages. The Governor apprised the Union Minister of the extensive damage caused by the recent floods across several districts and sought continued support from the Centre for relief, rehabilitation and restoration of essential infrastructure and livelihoods. Highlighting Arunachal’s vast agricultural potential, the Governor said focused support from the Union Government could help the state emerge as a hub of sustainable and high-value agriculture. He stressed the need to strengthen infrastructure, promote organic farming, adopt modern technology and improve market access to boost the rural economy. He also sought support for certified organic clusters, natural farming, high-value horticulture, branding of “Organic Arunachal” products, and research, farmer training and climate-resilient agriculture through institutions such as the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD). The Governor further emphasised the importance of skill development, agri-startups, food processing, agro-based industries and stronger market linkages to generate employment and strengthen the rural economy. Chouhan assured the Governor of the Centre’s continued support for Arunachal’s development and the growth of its agriculture sector.    

NAHARLAGUN : The Arunachal Electronic and Digital Media Association (AEDMA), in collaboration with the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), organised a one-day workshop on company law and Goods and Services Tax (GST) matters for its members at Soochna Bhawan in Papu Nallah on Wednesday. Held as a prelude to AEDMA’s 14th Foundation Day, the workshop aimed to sensitise owners and management representatives of digital media houses on statutory compliance relating to company registration, GST and income tax regulations. The participants were also briefed on the importance of timely filing of board resolutions, GST returns and income tax returns in accordance with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs’ requirements, which form one of the key criteria for empanelment and renewal of empanelment with the state government. AEDMA Financial Advisor and senior chartered accountant Ramesh Chandra Roy conducted technical sessions on company law, GST provisions, taxation and regulatory compliance, besides addressing queries from the participants. Arunachal Pradesh Information and Public Relations (IPR) Director Gijum Tali appreciated AEDMA for organising the workshop and stressed the need for greater unity and cooperation among media organisations to strengthen the media fraternity in the state. IPR Deputy Director Denga Bengia briefed the participants on the Arunachal Pradesh Print and Digital Advertisement Policy, 2025, highlighting the criteria for empanelment of media houses and accreditation of journalists. He urged media organisations to uphold high standards of journalism and ensure quality news content. AEDMA president JT Tagam thanked the Directorate of Information and Public Relations for supporting the workshop and invited media professionals to attend the AEDMA Conclave 2026, scheduled to be held on July 29 at the State Banquet Hall in Itanagar to mark the association’s 14th Foundation Day.    

PASIGHAT : Arunachal Pradesh University (APU) celebrated its fourth Foundation Day on Wednesday with a call for collective commitment to building a strong and enduring institution. The programme, held under the theme “Celebrating Togetherness Through Sports and Culture,” marked four years since the university’s establishment and brought together faculty members, staff and students. Addressing the gathering, Vice-Chancellor (In-charge) Dr Milorai Modi commended the university community for its contribution to APU’s growth over the past four years. He said the institution had shown that meaningful progress was possible through sincerity, teamwork and a shared vision. Urging faculty members, staff and students to see themselves as stakeholders in the university’s long-term development, Dr Modi said lasting institutions are built through sustained commitment rather than administration alone. In his capacity as Director of Technical and Higher Education, he also assured continued government support for the university’s development. Presenting the university’s annual report, Assistant Registrar (Establishment) Anil Nangkar highlighted major achievements during the past academic year. He said six new departments had been introduced, taking the total number of active departments to 11. He also reported encouraging academic results, with pass percentages of 84.6 per cent in the second semester and 98.1 per cent in the fourth semester examinations held in May this year. Among the key infrastructure developments, he cited the completion of Academic Block B, construction of residential quarters for teaching and non-teaching staff, and the establishment of a Satellite Incubation Cell to promote innovation and entrepreneurship. As part of the celebrations, winners of sports and cultural competitions were felicitated. Team Registrar emerged as the overall champion. Otik Borang of the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism won the World Cup Quiz Competition, while Tungam Riba of the administrative staff secured first place in the singing competition. Earlier, Head of the Department of Mass Communication Dr Prem Taba welcomed the gathering and underscored the significance of Foundation Day as an occasion to reflect on the university’s responsibilities and future direction. The programme was attended by Registrar Narmi Darang, Controller of Examinations Dr Monshi Tayeng, Dean Prof. P C Jena, heads of departments, faculty members, administrative officers, staff, students and invited guests.