State News

NAMSAI : The Namsai district administration, in collaboration with Startup India under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and the Arunachal Pradesh Innovation and Investment Park (APIIP), organised a TEJAS workshop at the Multipurpose Cultural Hall, Namsai, on Thursday to promote entrepreneurship and support aspiring business owners. The workshop was attended by aspiring entrepreneurs, Self-Help Group (SHG) members, artisans, students and job seekers from across the district. Welcoming the participants, Namsai Deputy Director of Industries Nondo Doka highlighted the objectives of the programme and emphasised the importance of entrepreneurship in driving local economic development. Addressing the gathering, Namsai Deputy Commissioner CR Khampa encouraged participants to leverage local resources, skills and innovation to establish sustainable enterprises and emerge as job creators. District Planning Officer Dr Keshab Sharma briefed attendees on various government schemes aimed at promoting self-employment and entrepreneurship, including the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Swavalamban Yojana (DDUSY), National Livestock Mission–Entrepreneurship Development Programme (NLM-EDP) and Atmanirbhar initiatives. Startup India representatives Rishi Dewan and Simran Hasija elaborated on startup opportunities, funding support mechanisms and the Government of India’s vision for fostering entrepreneurship across the country. APIIP officials Manish Mall and Vikas Sharma highlighted initiatives related to Ease of Doing Business and startup facilitation in Arunachal Pradesh. Resource persons also shared information on entrepreneurship support schemes such as the Prime Minister Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME), One District One Product (ODOP) and the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP). The workshop provided participants with valuable insights into startup ecosystems, funding avenues and government-backed initiatives aimed at encouraging entrepreneurship and economic growth. (DIPR)  

LIKABALI : A training programme on the Electoral Roll Management System (ERONET) and the Booth Level Officer (BLO) App was conducted at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall in Likabali on Thursday as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen electoral services and improve electoral roll management. The programme was attended by Electoral Registration Officers (EROs), Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs), BLO Supervisors, Booth Level Officers, Information Technology (IT) personnel, election dealing assistants and other officials associated with election management. Addressing the participants, Assistant Commissioner (Election) Jannes Mary Tayeng underscored the importance of effective utilisation of ERONET and the BLO App in maintaining accurate electoral records and ensuring transparent delivery of electoral services. He stressed that continuous training and technical upgradation are essential for the smooth conduct of election-related activities. The training was conducted virtually through video conferencing by State-level Master Trainers Dr Sandip Banerjee and Sougata Maity. The sessions focused on enhancing the technical knowledge and operational efficiency of officials engaged in electoral roll management and related processes. Officials were informed that the training programme would continue in phases, with schedules for subsequent sessions to be communicated separately. During the programme, AEROs were advised to coordinate with BLOs under their respective jurisdictions and compile queries or issues relating to ERONET and the BLO App for submission ahead of future sessions. Participants were also encouraged to raise their concerns during interactive discussions to facilitate effective resolution by the master trainers. The programme witnessed active participation from election officials and staff from across the district. (DIPR)          

Staff Reporter ITANAGAR : The Arunachal Pradesh Indigenous Youth Organisation (APIYO) on Wednesday rejected the state government’s proposal to constitute a Joint High-Power Committee to examine issues related to alleged illegal structures and illegal immigration, insisting that immediate action be taken instead of forming another committee. Addressing a press conference in Itanagar, APIYO president Taro Sonam Liyak said the organisation was not interested in participating in any committee-based mechanism and urged the government to directly implement measures to address the concerns raised by the organisation. “We do not want a Joint High-Power Committee, nor do we require assurances from the government. If the government is serious about resolving the issue, it should take direct action and dismantle the alleged illegal structures,” Liyak said. He stated APIYO had deliberately stayed away from a government-convened meeting in order to remain focused on its demands. Liyak alleged that despite repeatedly highlighting concerns regarding illegal immigration and seeking filtration of undocumented individuals, it was not included in the proposed committee. He maintained that merely shutting down the establishments in question would not be sufficient and reiterated the organization’s demand for the lawful dismantling of what it described as illegal constructions. The organisation also called for a comprehensive verification drive, claiming that some individuals associated with the establishments could be illegal immigrants, including Bangladeshi and Rohingya nationals, Liyak informed, while questioning whether the government could guarantee that all persons residing in and around the establishments were Indian citizens Further, he informed that the organisation sought scrutiny of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system, labour and employment records, commercial activities and other sectors where it alleged irregularities may exist. Claiming to possess documentary evidence supporting its concerns, Liyak stated that the materials had already been submitted to the Chief Minister’s Office during a meeting held on January 17. He urged the government to examine the documents and act on the information without further delay.  

ITANAGAR : Three persons, including two women, lost their lives and two others sustained serious injuries after the vehicle they were traveling in plunged into a deep gorge following a suspected landslide on the Migging–Tuting Road in Upper Siang district on Wednesday morning. According to official reports, the accident occurred at around 7:30 am, approximately 3 km from Migging towards Tuting. A Tata Nexon carrying five occupants reportedly skidded off the road after being affected by a landslide and plunged nearly 200 metres down a steep slope. The deceased were identified as Ottu Nitik, his wife Bami Nitik, and Olek Tali. Two other persons, Jesek Jongkey and Ponung Nitik, sustained serious injuries. However, due to road blockades in the area, they could not be immediately evacuated to the District Hospital at Yingkiong for treatment. Rescue and recovery operations were launched immediately under the supervision of Additional Deputy Commissioner of Tuting, Pandov Perme, and the Circle Officer of Migging. A joint team comprising personnel from the Indian Army, ITBP and local administration successfully retrieved the bodies of the deceased from the accident site. The operation involved troops from the Indian Army’s 5 DOGRA, 117 Engineer Regiment, 18 Sikh, 11 Sikh, 1811 Medium Regiment and 17 Mahar Regiment, along with personnel of the 61 Battalion ITBP and local authorities. ADC Pandov Perme informed that the rescue operation was successfully concluded and the mortal remains were handed over to the families for the last rites. District Disaster Management Officer (DDMO) Anie Yangfo stated that, following official verification and as per State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) norms, an ex-gratia assistance of Rs 4 lakh each will be provided to the next of kin of the deceased. Financial assistance for the treatment of the injured will also be extended as per admissible norms. In a statement, the Indian Army said Quick Reaction Teams from Migging and Tuting, equipped with rescue, medical and mountaineering gear, responded immediately and undertook a challenging operation through dense forests and hazardous terrain amid continuous rainfall. After more than nine hours of relentless effort, troops led by Subedar Major and Honorary Lieutenant MD Nasir Hussain successfully recovered two bodies and transported them to the road head before handing them over to civil authorities. Another rescue team led by Sub Arjun Singh of 5 DOGRA continued search operations in the slushy and difficult terrain. The Army said the operation highlighted its unwavering commitment to humanitarian assistance and its capability to conduct rescue missions in some of the most challenging terrains of Arunachal Pradesh. (Source: UNI)  

ITANAGAR : Chief Minister Pema Khandu has congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on completing 12 years in office and becoming the longest-serving elected head of government in independent India, describing the period as one of transformative governance, visionary leadership and unprecedented development. In a letter addressed to the Prime Minister on behalf of the people of Arunachal Pradesh, Khandu expressed gratitude for the Centre’s sustained support towards the development of the frontier State. He said Prime Minister Modi’s leadership had transformed Arunachal Pradesh from a region marked by strategic neglect and developmental isolation into an important contributor to India’s growth story. Highlighting the impact of the Act East Policy, Khandu said the initiative recognised Arunachal Pradesh not merely as a border state but as a strategic gateway and civilisational frontier of India. Sharing international borders with Tibet, Bhutan and Myanmar and possessing over 1,080 km of international boundary, the State has emerged as a key pillar of India’s strategic and developmental vision, he added. The Chief Minister said the State has witnessed unprecedented growth in connectivity infrastructure over the past 12 years. He noted that while Arunachal Pradesh had less than 1,000 km of National Highways before 2014, the network has now expanded to more than 4,060 km. Nearly 14,000 km of roads, along with numerous bridges, are currently under construction. He cited major infrastructure projects such as the Trans-Arunachal Highway, Frontier Highway, Sela Tunnel and Nechiphu Tunnel, which have significantly improved year-round connectivity to remote and border areas. He also highlighted the transformative role of the Bogibeel Bridge and the operationalisation of Donyi Polo Airport, besides expanded air connectivity through airports at Ziro, Tezu and Pasighat. Khandu welcomed the Union Budget 2026-27 announcement of a dedicated Buddhist Circuit development scheme for six Northeastern states, saying it would strengthen cultural heritage conservation and boost tourism. Enumerating achievements under various flagship programmes, the Chief Minister said schools are being upgraded under the PM SHRI scheme, educational reforms are being driven by the National Education Policy, and farmers are receiving support through the PM-KISAN programme. He added that nearly two lakh families in the State are benefiting from health insurance coverage under the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, while the State Cancer Hospital at Itanagar is under construction with Central assistance. According to Khandu, nearly 50,000 houses and toilets have been built under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and Swachh Bharat Mission, while the Jal Jeevan Mission has ensured piped drinking water connections to all households. The Saubhagya scheme has also achieved electrification of all villages in the State. The Chief Minister further credited the Prime Minister’s focus on border development for accelerating implementation of the Vibrant Villages Programme in strategic locations such as Kibithoo, Tuting and Zemithang. Highlighting progress in the hydropower sector, Khandu said several long-pending projects have gained momentum under the Centre’s support. He noted that the 2,000 MW Lower Subansiri Hydroelectric Project has been revived and partially commissioned, while the 2,880 MW Dibang Multipurpose Project is progressing towards completion by 2032. He also referred to the Union Cabinet’s approval of the Tato-I, Heo, Tato-II, Kamala and Kalai-II hydropower projects, which together are expected to generate 3.9 GW of power and attract investments worth around Rs 52,000 crore. Khandu also lauded governance reforms such as Direct Benefit Transfer, digitisation, transparent recruitment systems and citizen-centric administration, saying these initiatives have improved accountability and public service delivery. Referring to the recent launch of the GST Bachat Utsav in Itanagar, he described it as another step towards strengthening economic participation and citizen empowerment. The Chief Minister said the Prime Minister’s enduring legacy lies not only in creating infrastructure but also in expanding opportunities, aspirations and quality of life for people across the country.