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MLA Nabam Vivek donates Bolero to Gumto CO office

ITANAGAR :  In a move aimed at strengthening grassroots administration and improving public service delivery, Doimukh MLA Nabam Vivek donated a new Bolero vehicle to the Gumto Circle Officer (CO) office from his personal resources. The vehicle was handed over to facilitate official movement and improve administrative functioning, particularly in remote areas requiring regular field visits and public outreach activities. Speaking on the occasion, Vivek said efficient grassroots administration remains a priority and assured continued support to government offices engaged in public welfare activities. He also informed that similar assistance would be extended to the Sangdupota and Taraso circle areas in the near future. Officials of the Gumto CO office expressed gratitude for the contribution and stated that the vehicle would significantly help in carrying out official responsibilities and enhancing service delivery to the public. (DIPR)  

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Tawang DEO urges political parties to ensure error-free electoral roll

TAWANG : A coordination meeting on Phase-III of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll in Arunachal Pradesh was held at the Deputy Commissioner’s conference hall here on Thursday. The meeting was chaired by Tawang Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Election Officer (DEO) Namgyal Angmo and attended by Electoral Registration Officers (EROs), Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs) and representatives of various political parties. During the meeting, Assistant Commissioner (Election) Sange Norbu briefed participants on the schedule and roadmap for the revision exercise. He informed that preparatory activities, including training and printing of materials, will be conducted from June 5 to 14. The house-to-house verification drive by Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will be carried out from June 15 to July 14, while the draft electoral roll will be published on July 21. The period for filing claims and objections will continue till August 20, followed by disposal of claims and objections up to September 18. The final electoral roll is scheduled to be published on September 22. Emphasising the importance of accuracy and inclusiveness in the electoral process, Tawang Deputy Commissioner-cum-DEO Namgyal Angmo urged political parties to appoint Booth Level Agents (BLAs) at the earliest and actively participate in the revision exercise to help ensure an error-free electoral roll. The meeting focused on effective coordination and smooth conduct of the SIR exercise, highlighting the collective responsibility of officials and stakeholders in maintaining transparency and integrity in the electoral process. All concerned officials and representatives of political parties were urged to extend full cooperation for timely completion of the revision process in accordance with the schedule notified by the Election Commission of India. (DIPR)    

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Annual Credit Plan 2026-27 launched at Aalo DCC meeting

AALO : A District Consultative Committee (DCC) meeting for the quarter ended March 2026 was held at the Deputy Commissioner’s conference hall here under the chairmanship of Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Mabi Taipodia on Thursday. The meeting was attended by NABARD District Development Manager (DDM) Benjamin Gangte, Heads of Departments of various line departments and branch managers of banks operating in the district. Lead District Manager (LDM) Aalo welcomed the members and highlighted the objectives of the meeting. He presented the performance of banks against Annual Credit Plan targets under Priority Sector, Other Priority Sector and Non-Priority Sector lending, along with the district’s Credit-Deposit (CD) ratio up to March 2026. Bank-wise achievements under various government-sponsored schemes were also reviewed. During the meeting, the Annual Credit Plan for the financial year 2026-27, prepared by the LDM Aalo, was formally launched by ADC Mabi Taipodia. NABARD DDM Benjamin Gangte briefed the members on the objectives and targets of the Potential Linked Credit Plan (PLP) and shared the pre-PLP intimation for the financial year 2027-28. He also handed over a copy of the PLP to the chairperson. District Horticulture Officer requested banks to promptly communicate the acceptance or rejection status of beneficiaries under various schemes and raised concern over recall of some applications even after sanction or approval. District Veterinary Officer urged banks to avoid overlapping loan proposals and ensure early disposal of pending loan cases from previous years. Joint Director of Industries also requested branch managers to regularly update the department on the status of loan proposals forwarded by it, stating that timely reports were necessary for submission to the competent authority. Addressing the meeting, ADC Mabi Taipodia stressed the need for better coordination between banks and government departments for effective implementation of schemes. She advised bankers and the LDM to maintain regular liaison with departments and provide weekly or fortnightly updates on the status of schemes to avoid delays and communication gaps. (DIPR)      

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Teams battle for quarter final spots at Hangpan Dada Memorial Trophy

AALO : The 9th State Level Hangpan Dada Memorial Trophy 2026 witnessed another day of intense competition on Day 6 of the league stage, with teams from across Arunachal Pradesh displaying strong performances in the volleyball events. In the boys’ volleyball category, Lohit registered a hard-fought 2-1 win over Leparada, while Upper Subansiri defeated West Siang in straight sets. West Kameng edged past Kamle 2-1 in a closely contested match, and Kra Daadi secured a comfortable 2-0 victory against Changlang. Kurung Kumey also recorded a convincing 2-0 win over Keyi Panyor. In the girls’ volleyball matches, Longding defeated Changlang 2-0, while Kurung Kumey overcame Lower Siang by the same margin. Papum Pare defeated Lower Dibang Valley in straight sets, and Itanagar Capital outclassed Kra Daadi 2-0. Kamle continued its winning run with a 2-0 victory over Siang, while Bichom defeated East Siang 2-1 in a closely fought encounter. The tournament will move into the quarter final stage of boys’ football on May 22. At ITBP Ground-I, Capital Complex will take on Papum Pare at 1 pm, followed by Longding versus Siang at 2:45 pm. Simultaneously at Aalo Stadium main ground, Upper Siang will face Keyi Panyor at 1 pm, while Lower Siang will clash with Upper Subansiri at 2:45 pm. The girls’ football quarter finals will also be played on May 22. At Ground-III, Pakam, Longding will meet Namsai at 1:30 pm, followed by West Siang versus Itanagar Capital at 3 pm. At Ground-IV, APPBN, Shi Yomi will play Upper Subansiri at 1:30 pm, while East Kameng will take on Tawang at 3 pm.        

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Arunachal seeks revised funding pattern for urban sanitation projects

NEW DELHI : Arunachal Pradesh has urged the Centre to revise the existing funding pattern for urban sanitation projects under the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) 2.0, citing the unique geographical challenges and low population density of Northeastern states. The issue was raised by Urban Affairs Minister Balo Raja during the two-day National Review Meeting on Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0 (Urban) held at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi from May 19 to 20. The meeting, chaired by Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, reviewed progress and implementation challenges related to urban sanitation and solid waste management across the country. During the deliberations, Raja sought special attention from the Ministry for Arunachal Pradesh and other Northeastern states, stating that the present funding model based on per capita urban population leaves states like Arunachal at a disadvantage despite their large geographical area and difficult terrain. The review meeting focused on strengthening urban sanitation systems, visible cleanliness initiatives and public participation, especially at heritage and tourist destinations. Discussions were also held on waste segregation, collection and transportation systems, Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs), Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) management, waste-to-energy initiatives, composting projects and legacy waste remediation. Special emphasis was laid on improving implementation mechanisms in the Northeastern region. The meeting also reviewed the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026, and discussed challenges faced by states in implementing SBM 2.0 in urban areas. The Arunachal Pradesh delegation included Urban Affairs Commissioner Vivek Pandey and Urban Local Bodies Director Hano Takka, who participated in the deliberations and highlighted the state’s initiatives and challenges in urban sanitation and waste management.    

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LDV reviews monsoon preparedness

    ROING : A coordination meeting to review monsoon preparedness in Lower Dibang Valley district was held in Roing on Wednesday under the chairmanship of Lower Dibang Valley Deputy Commissioner Fwwrman Brahma. The meeting was attended by Lower Dibang Valley Superintendent of Police Ringu Ngupok, District Disaster Management Officer (DDMO) Tsering Ngurup, heads of departments, administrative officers and representatives from the Border Roads Task Force (BRTF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) and Power Grid Corporation. Reviewing the preparedness of various departments and agencies, DC Brahma advised public sector undertakings, including NHPC, NHIDCL and Power Grid, to instruct their labourers to remain cautious and avoid venturing into the Dibang river during the monsoon season as a precautionary measure against possible disasters. He also directed departments and agencies to clear roadside drains to prevent waterlogging and flooding in residential colonies. The DC further instructed officials to identify and map vulnerable areas in towns and villages across the district. DDMO Tsering Ngurup urged all departments to maintain adequate buffer stocks of essential commodities, medicines and other emergency supplies to ensure preparedness during the monsoon season. (DIPR)

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Coordination meeting on SIR exercise

    BOMDILA : A coordination-cum-orientation meeting on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls was held at Kameng Club in Bomdila on Wednesday under the chairmanship of West Kameng Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Election Officer Dr Dilip Kumar. The meeting was attended by Electoral Registration Officers (EROs), Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs), Booth Level Officers (BLOs), Booth Level Agents (BLAs), representatives of political parties, panchayat members, senior leaders and officials. Addressing the gathering, Dr Kumar highlighted the importance of coordination among election officials, political parties and voters to ensure smooth and transparent electoral processes. He urged officials to carry out their assigned responsibilities with sincerity and maintain effective coordination during election-related duties. A detailed PowerPoint presentation on the Special Intensive Revision process was delivered by Additional Deputy Commissioner-cum-Deputy District Election Officer Ashok Tajo. He emphasised the need for accuracy in voter registration and urged all EROs to ensure that no eligible citizen is left out of the electoral roll while preventing inclusion of ineligible persons. The meeting concluded with an in-house discussion among election officials and political party representatives on various issues related to electoral roll revision and voter registration. (DIPR)

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Assam Rifles rescues accident victims

KHONSA : The Khonsa Battalion of the Assam Rifles provided swift rescue and medical assistance to two civilians injured in a road accident at Borduria in Tirap district. Responding promptly to the incident, Assam Rifles personnel rushed to the accident site and administered immediate first aid to the injured before ensuring their safe evacuation for further treatment. The damaged vehicle involved in the accident was also recovered, helping restore normal movement along the route. The timely response highlighted the Assam Rifles’ commitment towards public welfare and emergency assistance in remote and challenging regions of the Northeast. Local residents appreciated the humanitarian assistance extended by the Khonsa Battalion and expressed gratitude for its continued support to the community. The incident once again reflected the Assam Rifles’ enduring dedication to the people of the region, in line with its motto, “Friends of the Northeast.”

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Over 84 pc Sitang households sign MoU for SUMP pre-feasibility study

BOLENG : In a major development for the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), additional Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed by residents of Sitang village in Siang district on Wednesday, further strengthening community participation in the project’s pre-feasibility process. The MoU signing programme was held at the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Boleng and overseen by Siang Deputy Commissioner Tayi Taggu. A total of 12 more households from Sitang village signed the MoU for preparation of the project’s Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR), reflecting growing community support for the proposed multipurpose project. Earlier, 59 households had signed similar MoUs during an earlier programme held on February 21 this year. With the latest addition, 71 out of the total 84 households in Sitang village have now formally consented to the PFR process, taking the participation rate to 84.52 per cent. Officials said the continued progress in MoU signings reflects sustained dialogue and stakeholder engagement among the local community, district administration and National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC). The district administration, led by DC Tayi Taggu, has been facilitating consultations and discussions to ensure active community participation in the region’s developmental initiatives.      

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Over 2,700 Arunachal tribals to attend Janjati Sanskriti Samagam in Delhi

Staff Reporter ITANAGAR : The Janjati Sanskriti Samagam Arunachal Pranth (JSSAP) on Wednesday informed that a total of 2,715 indigenous people from Arunachal Pradesh will participate in the upcoming Janjati Sanskriti Samagam (Tribal Cultural Gathering) to be held at the Red Fort Ground in New Delhi on May 24, 2026. Addressing a press conference at the Arunachal Press Club here, members of the JSSAP said that the Janjati Sanskriti Samagam is a massive national tribal gathering being organized to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of tribal icon Bhagwan Birsa Munda. The event is being organized by the Janjati Suraksha Manch (JSM). JSSAP members said the event will showcase traditional tribal arts, indigenous faiths and distinct cultural practices of various communities, with all participants expected to attend in their traditional attire. They also said that the event is likely to witness the participation of more than two lakh people representing over 550 tribal communities from different parts of the country. The JSSAP members informed that the programme aims to celebrate the rich heritage, traditions and cultural diversity of tribal communities across the country under the theme “Tu-Main Ek Rak” (You and I are one blood: we are all Indians). The key demands and purpose of the event include the “de-listing” of converted tribals by amending Article 342 of the Indian Constitution to withdraw Scheduled Tribe (ST) status and reservation benefits from tribal individuals who convert to religions such as Christianity or Islam. The organization argued that such benefits should remain exclusively for traditional indigenous tribal communities, the added The event also emphasized the need to protect and preserve indigenous faiths, rituals, and cultural traditions, asserting that Adivasis are an integral part of the Sanatan cultural heritage, they maintained Further, the JSSAP members stated that converted tribals should not be allowed to simultaneously avail benefits meant for Scheduled Tribes as well as those provided to religious minorities, claiming that such a practice goes against the spirit of constitutional provisions. The programme will be graced by Union Home Minister Amit Shah as the chief guest, they added.