State News

NAHARLAGUN : The Department of Agriculture on Tuesday conducted its annual Chintan Baithak-cum-Review Meeting at Krishi Bhawan here under the chairmanship of Arunachal Pradesh Agriculture Minister Gabriel D Wangsu, with a strong focus on administrative reforms, programme implementation and improved fund utilisation. The 12-hour review meeting was attended by Agriculture Secretary Samuel Changkija, Director of Agriculture Toggul Perme Pertin, Arunachal Pradesh Agriculture Marketing Board (APAMB) Chief Executive Officer Tadak Dabi, joint directors, deputy directors, District Agriculture Officers from all 27 districts and other senior officials. Reviewing the performance of flagship programmes and district-level initiatives, Wangsu stressed greater accountability, administrative efficiency and outcome-oriented governance. He urged officials to ensure full utilisation of allocated funds while maintaining transparency, quality execution and measurable outcomes. Commending the department’s improved financial performance, the minister noted that fund utilisation had reached nearly 62 per cent, a significant improvement over previous years when utilisation remained below 50 per cent. The functioning of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) across the state also came under review. Representatives highlighted various administrative and operational challenges, to which the minister assured government support and reiterated its commitment to resolving pending issues. The future of the State Agricultural Management and Extension Training Institute (SAMETI) at Pasighat was another major agenda item. Discussions focused on strengthening the institution and protecting its land assets. Following concerns over alleged encroachment, Wangsu called for strict legal action against encroachers, while the Agriculture Secretary directed officials to prepare a comprehensive master plan for safeguarding and optimally utilising the institute’s land. The meeting also reviewed the progress of the Krishi-Himveer Mission, a collaborative initiative involving the Indian Army and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). Officials emphasised greater participation of farmers, Self-Help Groups and Farmer Producer Organisations under the programme. Expressing concern over the rapid increase in Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs), Wangsu directed APAMB to conduct annual audits and grading of FPCs to assess their performance, sustainability and effectiveness. Organic farming and certification systems were also discussed, with officials exploring the expansion of the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) certification framework for crops intended for domestic markets. APAMB further proposed engaging NABARD-supported agencies for project preparation and monitoring of value-addition initiatives. Highlighting the growing importance of digital agriculture, Wangsu underscored the role of AgriStack, including Farmer IDs, crop surveys and farm mapping, in future agricultural governance and service delivery. “All future benefits and schemes will increasingly depend on authentic digital farm data,” he said, adding that pilot farm mapping has already been completed in six districts and will be expanded across the state over the current and next year. The minister appealed to farmers, Panchayati Raj Institutions, Gaon Burahs and community leaders to support the initiative to ensure wider access to government schemes and services. During the meeting, Wangsu also launched the online portal for the Atmanirbhar Yojana aimed at streamlining service delivery, improving beneficiary outreach and strengthening digital governance in the agriculture sector. District Agriculture Officers presented reports on the implementation status, achievements, challenges and success stories under various Central and State-sponsored schemes. Concluding the marathon deliberations, Wangsu described agriculture as the backbone of the state’s rural economy and called upon officials, particularly from underperforming districts, to rededicate themselves to the welfare of farmers and the development of the sector.    

ITANAGAR : Governor Lt Gen K T Parnaik (Retd) on Tuesday stressed the need for greater accountability, transparency and civil service reforms to strengthen governance and improve public service delivery in the state. During a meeting with Arunachal Pradesh Administrative Reforms Commission (APARC) Chairman Pramod Jain at Lok Bhavan here, the governor underscored the importance of urban planning, capacity building of officials and technology-driven administration to build a more efficient and citizen-centric governance system. Highlighting the crucial role of the Administrative Reforms Commission, Parnaik said its recommendations should focus on enhancing accountability in government functioning, ensuring transparency and improving administrative efficiency through meaningful reforms in the civil services, an official statement said. Sharing his vision for a more responsive administration, the governor stressed the need for reforms in personnel management, institutional functioning and capacity building. He said continuous training and skill enhancement of government officials are essential to equip them for emerging governance challenges and growing public expectations. Parnaik also pointed to the need for proper urban development planning and management, including the provision of essential services and maintenance of infrastructure. Such measures, he said, would improve civic amenities while enhancing the tourism potential of the state. Advocating merit-based performance evaluation systems, the governor said such mechanisms would encourage professionalism, excellence and integrity in public service. He added that modernisation of the civil services through technology adoption, streamlined administrative processes and better financial planning and management is vital for delivering efficient, transparent and people-oriented services. Reiterating his commitment to good governance, Parnaik expressed confidence that the Commission’s recommendations would help build a more accountable, efficient and citizen-focused administrative framework in Arunachal Pradesh, aligned with the aspirations of the people and the vision of a developed and self-reliant state. (Source: PTI)    

KAMBA : The All 27th Liromoba Youth Organization (A27thLYO), led by its Interim President Banya Yomgam, called on Kamba Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) on Tuesday to discuss issues related to ongoing developmental activities under Kamba Circle. During the meeting, the organisation stressed the importance of quality workmanship, transparency and timely completion of public infrastructure projects. The ADC assured the team of administrative support and cooperation in monitoring the implementation of development schemes and facilitating field inspections. Following the interaction, members of the organisation conducted inspections of several ongoing projects, including the Mini Secretariat and Multipurpose Hall at Kamba, the Two-Bay Fire Station at Kamba, the G+2 Girls’ Hostel and Science Stream Building at Donyi-Polo Government College (DPGC) Kamki, and infrastructure development works at Government Upper Primary School Dairy Farm. Speaking on the occasion, Interim President Banya Yomgam said the organisation would continue to serve as a bridge between the public and the administration to ensure transparency and proper utilisation of public funds for the welfare of the people of the 27th Liromoba Assembly Constituency.  

TAWANG : A Special Awareness-cum-Facilitation Camp on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Electoral Rolls, 2026 was organised at Tawang Monastery on Tuesday to create awareness among electors and assist them in filling and submitting Enumeration Forms. The camp witnessed enthusiastic participation from members of the public, monks, nuns and other stakeholders, reflecting a strong response to the ongoing electoral roll revision exercise. Officials of the Election Department briefed participants on the objectives, procedures and significance of the revision process, emphasising the need for eligible voters to verify and update their electoral details to ensure an accurate and inclusive electoral roll. Organised by the District Election Office, Tawang, with support from the Women Welfare Association, Tawang, the camp aimed to make the revision process more accessible and citizen-friendly. Members of the association assisted in mobilising public participation and facilitating the completion of required formalities. Students of Dorjee Khandu Government College, Tawang, currently undergoing internships, also volunteered during the programme by helping participants fill out and submit their Enumeration Forms. The District Election Office informed that similar awareness-cum-facilitation camps are being conducted across the district to maximise outreach and participation. A similar camp was also organised at Government Secondary School, Seru, on Monday. Citizens have been urged to actively participate in the SIR process and submit their Enumeration Forms within the stipulated timeline to help ensure a clean, transparent and error-free electoral roll. (DIPR)    

ITANAGAR : The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Arunachal Pradesh, on Tuesday observed Balidan Diwas to commemorate the sacrifice and legacy of Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee. Party leaders and workers paid floral tributes to Mukherjee and recalled his contributions to nation-building, education and public service. Speakers highlighted his role in advocating the complete integration of Jammu and Kashmir with the Indian Union and described his sacrifice in 1953 as a significant chapter in India’s democratic history. Addressing the programme, State BJP pesident Kaling Moyong said Mukherjee’s life exemplified patriotism, courage, sacrifice and selfless service. He urged party workers to draw inspiration from his ideals and dedicate themselves to serving society with honesty, discipline and commitment. Referring to Mukherjee’s vision of a strong and united India, Moyong said it was being advanced through the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and policies focused on nationalism, development and inclusive growth. Moyong also expressed gratitude to Rajya Sabha MP Tai Tagak and Arunachal Pradesh Forest Corporation Limited Chairman Nalong Mize for donating one month’s honorarium to the party. He further thanked Arunachal Pradesh Home Minister Mama Natung for donating a vehicle to support the party’s organisational and outreach activities. Former minister Dr Tangor Tapak spoke on Mukherjee’s life and contributions, describing him as one of modern India’s foremost nation-builders. He highlighted Mukherjee’s achievements as a scholar, parliamentarian and educationist, noting that he became the youngest Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calcutta at the age of 33. The speakers observed that Balidan Diwas serves as a reminder of the values of nationalism, good governance, social harmony and public service. They called upon the youth to study Mukherjee’s life and contribute actively to the nation’s development. The programme concluded with floral tributes and a pledge by party leaders and karyakartas to uphold Mukherjee’s ideals and work towards building a developed India founded on unity, integrity and national pride.      

YUPIA :  The first District Task Force on Immunization (DTFI) meeting of 2026 was held at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall here to review the progress of Routine Immunisation (RI), Intensive Pulse Polio Immunisation (IPPI) and implementation of National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS) in Papum Pare district. The meeting was chaired by Papum Pare Deputy Commissioner-cum-Chairman of the District Health Society Lobsang Tsering and attended by health officials, Medical Officers In-Charge, ASHA facilitators and representatives of the World Health Organization (WHO). Reviewing the district’s immunisation performance, the Deputy Commissioner said that while some targets may be challenging, efforts should be directed towards achieving maximum coverage and improved health outcomes. He noted that the district has been performing relatively well on key health indicators but stressed the need for effective tracking and monitoring, particularly in view of the floating population shared with the Itanagar Capital Region. He also urged all health facilities to work towards achieving NQAS certification. Papum Pare District Medical Officer Dr Reena Ronya reviewed maternal health indicators and called upon Medical Officers In-Charge and concerned officials to utilise Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) more effectively in promoting awareness on maternal health and regular antenatal check-ups. She also suggested using ASHA review meetings as platforms for distributing pregnancy kits to beneficiaries. A detailed presentation on the Routine Immunisation Micro Plan was delivered by Dr Tomar Kamki, who highlighted the importance of annual micro-planning, validation of population data, regular updating of ASHA registers, headcount surveys, quality antenatal care counselling, quarterly Block Task Force for Immunization meetings and tracking of left-out and drop-out children through the UWIN portal. Dr Tania Raju presented the status of quality assurance initiatives and outlined the roadmap for achieving NQAS certification. He informed that Primary Health Centre (PHC) Taraso has received State Quality Certification, while PHC Soppo has achieved National Quality Certification. PHC Gumto has also secured State Quality Certification. Under the Kayakalp initiative, Community Health Centre (CHC) Kimin received the Kayakalp Award in 2025, while PHC Taraso, PHC Soppo and PHC Gumto were awarded recommendation certificates. Raju further informed that CHCs Kimin, Sagalee, Basarnelo, Kakoi, Danka, Yupia and Ompuli have been identified as NQAS target health facilities for 2025-26, and stressed the need for collective efforts to achieve national quality certification. During the meeting, VHAI District Coordinator Tadar Hari presented an overview of LODOR, while representatives of the WHO-National Polio Surveillance Project (NPSP) shared inputs on district routine immunisation micro-planning. (DIPR)