State News

HAWAI :  Women and Child Development Minister Dasanglu Pul on Saturday participated in a Jan Kalyan Shivir at Metengliang, reviewed key infrastructure projects under the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP), and attended a farmers’ outreach programme promoting sustainable agriculture in Anjaw district. Addressing the Jan Kalyan Shivir at Metengliang General Ground, Pul said the initiative was aimed at delivering government services and welfare schemes directly to the people while creating awareness about various citizen-centric programmes. “Jan Kalyan Shivirs play a vital role in bridging the gap between the government and the people. They help ensure that eligible beneficiaries can access welfare schemes and services in a timely and convenient manner,” she said. Highlighting the government’s developmental achievements and transformative initiatives over the past 12 years, the minister reiterated its commitment to inclusive growth, good governance and public welfare. “Our focus remains on ensuring that development reaches every household, including those living in the remotest border areas. Good governance is meaningful only when its benefits are felt by the people on the ground,” she added. Later, Pul inspected ongoing VVP road projects under Metengliang Circle, including the Metengliang-Khoweko/Kromna Road and the Chipru-Kalabro/Hawaka Road. Reviewing the progress of work, she directed the executing agencies to maintain quality standards and ensure timely completion of the projects. “These roads are vital for improving connectivity and enhancing the quality of life in our border villages. Timely completion with the highest standards of quality must be ensured,” she said. Officials informed that the projects are expected to strengthen rural infrastructure, improve accessibility and contribute to the socio-economic development of remote border communities. The minister also attended the Khet Bachao Abhiyan programme organised by the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Anjaw, at Khupa, where she interacted with farmers and encouraged them to adopt modern, climate-resilient and sustainable agricultural practices. The programme focused on soil health conservation, balanced fertilisation and natural farming. It also witnessed the virtual release of the 23rd instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Emphasising the importance of sustainable agriculture, Pul said farmers are the backbone of the rural economy and that the adoption of scientific and climate-resilient farming practices would enhance productivity, improve incomes and ensure long-term food security. She appreciated KVK Anjaw, officials and participating farmers for their efforts in promoting sustainable agriculture and strengthening rural livelihoods in the district.    

ITANAGAR : The Foundation Day of West Bengal was celebrated with cultural fervour at Lok Bhavan here on Saturday, with Governor Lt Gen KT Parnaik (Retd) leading the celebrations that showcased the state’s rich cultural heritage, artistic traditions and historical legacy. Addressing the gathering, the Governor highlighted West Bengal’s immense contribution to India’s freedom movement, social reforms, literary renaissance and cultural awakening. He said the state has produced some of the nation’s most influential thinkers, reformers, writers, artists and educationists, whose contributions continue to inspire generations. Parnaik noted that Bengal’s tradition of intellectual pursuit, creativity and social consciousness has played a significant role in shaping modern India. He also appreciated the contributions of the Bengali community towards the socio-economic development and cultural enrichment of Arunachal Pradesh, particularly in the fields of education, healthcare, administration, business and public service. The Governor further acknowledged the longstanding service of the Ramakrishna Mission in Arunachal Pradesh, especially in education, healthcare and social welfare. He said the Mission’s institutions have nurtured generations of students and provided quality services in remote areas, complementing the state’s developmental efforts. A special highlight of the programme was the screening of a video message from West Bengal Governor RN Ravi, who conveyed his greetings and best wishes on the occasion. The cultural segment featured a series of performances reflecting Bengal’s rich artistic traditions. The programme began with Rabindra Sangeet performances by Pushpita Bhattacharjee and Prabash Paul, followed by a Bengali group dance by students of Hornbill English School. A Gorkha (Magar) group dance showcased the cultural diversity associated with the region, while a folk-fusion musical performance by Rup Joti Mukherjee, Mridula Roy and Jaydeep Biswas blended traditional and contemporary musical elements. In keeping with the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’, Arunachali student Techi Ajum presented a Rabindra Nritya, highlighting Bengal’s enduring artistic legacy. The cultural programme concluded with a Bengali folk dance by students of Nrityangan Dance and Music Academy. Students of Abotani Vidya Niketan, Pachin attended the celebration as special guests of the Governor, reflecting the importance of exposing young minds to the country’s diverse cultural traditions and fostering national integration. The celebrations concluded with a high tea hosted by the Governor and First Lady Anagha Parnaik for members of the Bengali community, participating artists, students and officials, providing an opportunity for interaction and cultural exchange.      

Mingkeng Osik PASIGHAT : A three-day training, demonstration and input distribution programme on “Promotion of Pulses in the North Eastern Hill (NEH) Region” commenced at the College of Agriculture, Pasighat, on Friday with the participation of farmers, agricultural scientists, researchers and local representatives. The programme, being held from June 20 to 22, is sponsored by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research–Indian Institute of Pulses Research (ICAR-IIPR), Kanpur, under its NEH component and is being organised by the College of Agriculture, Pasighat. Addressing the inaugural session, College of Agriculture Dean Dr Sanjay Swamy highlighted the vast potential for pulse cultivation in Arunachal Pradesh, stating that the state’s agro-climatic conditions are well suited for increasing pulse production and contributing significantly to the country’s overall output. He urged farmers to make optimum use of the programme and expand pulse cultivation, describing pulses as a highly nutritious crop with immense health benefits and adaptability to diverse climatic conditions. Dr Swamy said the institution is working to ensure that quality pulse seeds and improved technologies reach farmers across the state, thereby reducing dependence on supplies from outside Arunachal Pradesh. Increased pulse production, he added, would strengthen both the state’s agricultural sector and the economy of the Northeast region. Explaining the objectives of the programme, College of Agriculture Assistant Professor Dr Senpon Ngomle encouraged participants to take full advantage of the scientific knowledge and practical training being provided. He elaborated on modern cultivation methods, crop management practices and the role of pulses in sustainable agriculture. Dr Ngomle also highlighted the importance of pulse production in achieving the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and spoke about innovative pulse-based rice cultivation and cropping systems that can improve farm productivity. As part of the initiative, quality pulse seeds and other agricultural inputs were distributed to participating farmers to promote wider adoption of pulse cultivation practices. Among the participants were farmers from Kangku Circle in Lower Siang district, who expressed appreciation to their Zilla Parishad Member (ZPM) for facilitating their participation in the programme. They also thanked the faculty members, scientists and trainers of the College of Agriculture for their efforts in empowering farmers through technical knowledge and practical support. The programme is expected to enhance awareness of pulse cultivation, improve agricultural productivity, strengthen nutritional security and create sustainable livelihood opportunities for farmers across the region.    

ITANAGAR : Governor K T Parnaik on Friday expressed concern over shortcomings in financial management and project implementation, and stressed the need for planning and greater use of technology to strengthen financial governance. Reviewing the audit report of the state’s finances for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, he observed that the state’s limited working season, coupled with delays in project execution, often leads to a rush to utilise funds during March, adversely affecting efficiency and outcomes. Emphasising the need for corrective measures, Parnaik said sound financial planning must begin well before budget allocations are made. He observed that inadequate preparation results in the loss of nearly two quarters of the financial year and advised all departments to formulate detailed plans and project proposals in anticipation of budget approvals, based on funding trends and past experience. “Such preparedness will enable departments to initiate tendering and project execution immediately after funds are released,” he pointed out. Earlier, Principal Accountant General Vanlal Chhuanga briefed the governor about the state’s fiscal situation and the status of action taken on audit observations and compliance reports. Chhuanga observed that while Arunachal Pradesh enjoys a comparatively healthy financial position among many states, certain concerning trends persist and warrant closer financial oversight and corrective action. (Source: PTI)

ITANAGAR : Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein on Friday reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthen the startup ecosystem in the state and assured positive consideration of a proposal to establish a state-sponsored venture capital fund. Speaking at the inauguration of a state-of-the-art ‘Do It Yourself’ (DIY) lab and a startup investment pitching session here, he also announced plans for a dedicated building for the Arunachal Pradesh Innovation and Investment Park (APIIP) in the next financial year, an official statement said. Mein said Arunachal Pradesh has made significant progress in creating opportunities, infrastructure and platforms that are enabling young people to pursue innovation and entrepreneurship with confidence. Highlighting APIIP’s vision of creating “job givers instead of job seekers”, the deputy chief minister said he has been associated with the institution since its inception and expressed pride over Arunachal Pradesh being recognised as the Best Performer State in the National Startup Ranking 2025. The award was conferred in January this year. Mein congratulated APIIP chief executive officer Tabe Haidar and his team for their efforts in securing the recognition and reiterated the government’s resolve to position Arunachal Pradesh as a preferred destination for innovation, entrepreneurship and investment. He also lauded the progress made under the Ease of Doing Business single window clearance system and stressed the need to integrate all government departments with the platform to ensure seamless services for investors and entrepreneurs. Earlier, Mein inaugurated the newly established DIY Lab, equipped with advanced product prototyping facilities including 3D printers, electronic tools, food quality testing equipment and a dedicated branding zone. The facility is aimed at helping startups develop and refine products before large-scale manufacturing. Welcoming the gathering, APIIP CEO Tabe Haidar described the DIY Lab as an innovation hub that would help students, startup founders and young entrepreneurs convert ideas into prototypes and commercially viable products. He also highlighted the state’s investment potential and called on investors and high-net-worth individuals to support emerging startups. The investment pitching session brought together investors, venture capital representatives, startup founders, entrepreneurs and government officials. Representatives from NEDFi Venture Capital Limited, IIM Ahmedabad Ventures, Alpha Venture, Spotlight SP AIF, Anantan Ecosystem and AlphaTUB participated in the programme. During the interaction, investors shared insights with aspiring entrepreneurs, while local business leaders appreciated the government’s efforts to improve infrastructure, connectivity and the overall business environment. Representatives of NEDFi described Arunachal Pradesh as having one of the strongest incubation support systems in the Northeast. Stakeholders also discussed opportunities and challenges in the startup sector, with many supporting the creation of a state-sponsored venture capital fund to boost startup growth and improve access to early-stage financing. A total of 13 startups incubated under APIIP presented their business ideas before investors. The event concluded with a networking session aimed at promoting partnerships, mentorship and investment collaborations. The state government recently launched the fifth edition of the Arunachal Pradesh Entrepreneurship Development Programme (APEDP 5.0) with enhanced programme capacity and increased seed funding support to encourage more entrepreneurs to build successful enterprises, officials said. (Source: PTI)      

KHONSA : An NSCN-K (Ang Mai) faction cadre was apprehended in a joint operation by Assam Rifles and police in Tirap district, an official said on Friday. According to a DIPRO report, the operation was launched in the Hydel area of Khonsa town in the district on June 18. Acting on specific intelligence inputs regarding the movement of an underground operative in the area, the security forces carried out a well-coordinated ambush that led to the successful arrest. The arrested individual has been identified as 32-year-old Langsom Losu, alias Gangsa, a resident of the area. Security forces recovered a 7.65 mm pistol along with a magazine, 10 live rounds of 7.65 mm ammunition, and a bag from his possession, the report said. The apprehended cadre and the seized weapon and ammunition have been handed over to the police for further interrogation and legal action. Officials said the successful breakthrough reflects the robust inter-agency coordination, high operational capability, and commitment of the Assam Rifles and local police in maintaining peace and curbing insurgent activities in the strategic region, the report added. (Source: PTI)