ONLINE AGE

(Online version of the Arunachal Age newspaper)

State News

Latest News, Popular News, State News

Govt employees must uphold higher standards of efficiency: APARC member

YINGKIONG, Arunachal Pradesh Administrative Reforms Commission (APARC) member Hento Karga on Monday stressed the need for greater efficiency, accountability and professionalism among government employees while deliberating on administrative reforms and public service delivery in Upper Siang district. Addressing a meeting at the Deputy Commissioner’s conference hall here, Karga said the state government had constituted a three-member Administrative Reforms Commission to bring tangible transformation and modernise the existing system of governance. “Government employees in the state are among the best-paid employees and therefore must uphold higher standards of efficiency, sincerity and accountability in the discharge of their duties,” he said. Emphasising the need for responsive administration, Karga called upon government employees to introspect and rededicate themselves to public service. “Timely, transparent and efficient delivery of services is essential for ensuring peace, progress and overall development of the district and the state,” he said. Karga observed that despite rapid technological advancement, the state continues to face challenges in administrative efficiency and service delivery. He also stressed the need to improve productivity, work culture and governance for greater contribution towards nation-building. Urging teachers to remain committed to their responsibilities, Karga said quality education plays a vital role in shaping society. Advocating systemic reforms, he said every department should have proper recruitment rules and service regulations to ensure transparency, professionalism and accountability in public administration. “Outdated systems must be reformed to make governance more citizen-centric, transparent and result-oriented,” he added. Earlier, Upper Siang Deputy Commissioner Talo Jerang welcomed the Commission member and highlighted the objectives of the meeting. He also submitted the district’s recommendations to the Commission. During the interactive session, heads of departments, Panchayati Raj Institution leaders and participants shared suggestions aimed at improving transparency, efficiency and accountability in public service delivery. The meeting was attended by Upper Siang Superintendent of Police, Zilla Parishad Chairperson, heads of departments and gram panchayat chairpersons from various segments. (DIPR)    

Latest News, Popular News, State News

Khandu hails India’s scientific excellence on National Technology Day

ITANAGAR, Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Monday hailed India’s growing technological strength, scientific excellence and self-reliance on the occasion of National Technology Day, saying the country continues to emerge as a global leader in science, defence and innovation. In a social media post, Khandu said the day commemorates the successful Pokhran-II nuclear tests, which he described as a defining moment that showcased India’s technological strength and resolve before the world. “On the occasion of National Technology Day, we celebrate India’s remarkable journey of scientific excellence, innovation, and self-reliance,” the chief minister said in a post on X. Highlighting the country’s progress in various sectors, Khandu said, “Today, with rapid advancements in indigenous defence systems, next-generation technologies, and space innovation, India continues to emerge as a global leader in science and technology.” Paying tribute to the scientific community, he added, “A heartfelt salute to our scientists, engineers, and innovators whose dedication continues to build a stronger, self-reliant, and future-ready India. Jai Hind!” Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein also extended greetings on the occasion and stressed the role of technology in improving people’s lives and strengthening governance. “Technology is not just about machines and innovation, it is about empowering people, connecting communities and creating opportunities for every citizen,” Mein said in his social media message. He said National Technology Day is an occasion to honour “visionaries, scientists, innovators, entrepreneurs and young minds whose ideas continue to drive India towards progress and self-reliance.” Referring to Arunachal Pradesh, the deputy chief minister said technology is increasingly transforming governance, education, healthcare, connectivity and livelihoods across the state, including remote regions. “In Arunachal Pradesh, we are witnessing how technology is transforming governance, education, healthcare, connectivity, and livelihoods, reaching even the farthest corners of our state,” he said. “Our commitment remains firm: to build an inclusive, digitally empowered and future-ready Arunachal,” Mein added, while calling upon people to continue innovating and working together towards a technologically advanced India. National Technology Day is observed every year on May 11 to commemorate the successful Pokhran-II nuclear tests conducted in Rajasthan in 1998 under Operation Shakti. The day was officially declared by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 1999 to honour India’s achievements in science and technology and recognise the contributions of scientists, engineers and innovators to national development. (Source: PTI)    

Latest News, Popular News, State News

State Food Commission reviews NFSA implementation in West Kameng, Bichom

BOMDILA, The Arunachal Pradesh State Food Commission, headed by chairman Tarh Tarak along with member Maji Chokar, convened a review meeting at the Deputy Commissioner’s office here on Monday to assess the implementation of centrally sponsored schemes under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013 in West Kameng and Bichom districts. The meeting was attended by West Kameng Deputy Commissioner Dr Dilip Kumar, Deputy Grievance Redressal Officers-cum-Additional Deputy Commissioners of West Kameng and Bichom districts, and nodal officers including the Deputy Director of School Education, Child Development Project Officer, District Medical Officer and District Food and Civil Supplies Officer. The officials presented detailed reports on various public welfare schemes being implemented in the districts and highlighted the challenges faced during implementation. Discussions focused on the Public Distribution System (PDS), Mid-Day Meal scheme, food hygiene, transportation constraints and effective implementation of the NFSA. Addressing the meeting, Tarak assured that the issues and challenges faced in implementing centrally sponsored schemes at the grassroots level would be brought to the notice of the state government. “We will apprise the state government of the challenges faced while implementing central schemes at the grassroots level,” he said. Chokar highlighted the objectives of the National Food Security Act, 2013 and stressed the importance of timely delivery of quality food to targeted beneficiaries. “Ensuring timely and quality food delivery to beneficiaries at the grassroots level remains a top priority,” he said. Earlier, West Kameng DC Dr Dilip Kumar presented an overview of the functioning of various schemes in the district and highlighted both the achievements and challenges encountered during implementation. (DIPR)    

Latest News, Popular News, State News

Body of teenager feared drowned in Yomgo river found after a week

ITANAGAR, The decomposed body of a 17-year-old boy from Maharashtra, feared drowned earlier this month, was recovered from the banks of the Yomgo river in Arunachal Pradesh’s Siang district, police said on Monday. The teenager, identified as Prateshmesh Baswakar, son of ITBP personnel Rahul Baswakar and a resident of the ITBP camp in Guminagar, Aalo, went missing on May 3 during a picnic near Bene village. He was feared drowned in the Yomgo river in West Siang district on May 3. His body was found on the Yomgo riverbank near Dama village in neighbouring Siang district on Monday, the police said. Investigating officer Sub-Inspector Lakhi Mena said that the decomposed body found on Monday was that of Baswakar. He said the body was spotted by residents of Damda village, who reported it to police. The body was retrieved by Army and personnel of the 20th Battalion of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), police said. Police said an unnatural death case has been registered at Aalo Police Station, and further investigation into the case is on. The incident occurred when a group of 10 minors went for a picnic. Five members of the group approached the riverbank to record a video while holding hands. “Suddenly, after jumping into the river, one boy was swept away by the strong current,” police said. A massive search operation was launched involving ITBP personnel and residents. The search was hampered by continuous downpour that left the Yomgo and other rivers in spate. (Source: PTI)      

Latest News, Popular News, State News

Former students of RKSM Khonsa adopt 11 TB patients

KHONSA, In a humanitarian initiative under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP), two former students of Ramakrishna Sarada Mission (RKSM), Khonsa — Sonali Debroy and Roikim Taikam — adopted 11 tuberculosis (TB) patients and became Nikshay Mitras on Monday. As part of the initiative, food baskets were distributed to the adopted patients at General Hospital (GH), Khonsa in the presence of Tirap District Medical Officer (DMO) Dr B Ratan, GH Khonsa Medical Superintendent Dr Tumli Basar, District Tuberculosis Officer Dr J Thingnok and Nodal Officer DDR-TBC Dr S Sumpa. Addressing the gathering, Dr Ratan advised the patients to maintain proper hygiene and consume nutritious food for speedy recovery and better health outcomes. “Nutritious food and proper hygiene are essential for faster recovery and improved health,” he said. The DMO appreciated the humanitarian gesture of the two Nikshay Mitras for extending support to needy TB patients in Tirap and Longding districts. “Such selfless service and encouragement towards TB patients are truly commendable,” he said. On behalf of the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme and the Health Department, Dr Ratan conveyed gratitude to Sonali Debroy and Roikim Taikam for supporting TB patients through the Nikshay Mitra initiative. (DIPR)    

Latest News, Popular News, State News

West Kameng DLMC discusses coordination, project monitoring

BOMDILA, A meeting of the District Level Monitoring Committee (DLMC) was held on Monday at the Deputy Commissioner’s conference hall in Bomdila under the chairmanship of West Kameng Deputy Commissioner Dr Dilip Kumar. Addressing the meeting, 4-Dirang MLA and Advisor to Minister for Public Works Department Highways and Science & Technology Phurpa Tsering stressed the importance of active participation of Panchayat leaders in development planning and monitoring. “We should conduct such coordination meetings constituency-wise to ensure wider participation and effective discussion of core issues,” he said. Tsering also instructed the Rural Works Department to make the cremation ground constructed at Dirang operational without delay. Chairing the meeting, Dr Kumar said Panchayati Raj Institution members should remain vigilant regarding all developmental works in their respective areas and ensure close coordination with executing agencies and contractors for effective monitoring of projects. He also directed the Public Works Department (PWD), Bomdila Division, to complete the augmented Deputy Commissioner’s office building at the earliest to enable early shifting. Referring to the Vibrant Villages Programme, the DC stressed the need to learn from past experiences and ensure that all proposals align with the objectives of the scheme. “Any proposal under the Vibrant Villages Programme should be prepared in consultation with the concerned Members of Legislative Assembly,” he said. Dr Kumar further sought cooperation from all heads of departments for initiating the town planning process of Bomdila.   Kalaktang and Thirizino MLAs, heads of departments also participated in the meeting. (DIPR)    

Latest News, Popular News, State News

GCN Pasighat celebrates International Nurses Day

PASIGHAT, Government College of Nursing (GCN), Pasighat, celebrated International Nurses Day with enthusiasm and reverence on Monday, organising a lamp lighting and oath-taking ceremony to honour the dedication and service of nurses. Pasighat Smart City Development Corporation Chief Executive Officer Manjuli Komut Jamoh attended the programme as chief guest, while Dr Basumati Apum was present as guest of honour. In her welcome address, GCN Pasighat principal Natal Jamoh expressed gratitude to the Pasighat Smart City authority for providing essential equipment for nursing classes. “Nursing is not merely a profession but a commitment to humanity. Nurses Day reminds us to continue serving society with dedication and compassion,” she said. A lamp lighting ceremony was conducted by the dignitaries, principal and faculty members, followed by a cake-cutting ceremony. The programme also featured an oration by fourth semester student Gepi Lollen, who highlighted the importance of empathy, dedication and selfless service in the nursing profession. “You need not strive to be perfect because a good nurse is priceless,” she said while dedicating her speech to nurses across the world. A candle lighting and oath-taking ceremony was also organised for second semester students preparing to begin their clinical training and professional responsibilities. The pledge was administered by vice principal Aruna Chaudhuri. Addressing the gathering, Dr Basumati Apum described the institution as an important centre of learning that produced the first batch of nurses in Pasighat. “Nursing is both a science and an art. Students must carry compassion, care and love in their profession while keeping pace with medical advancements,” she said. She also advised students to take care of their physical, mental and psychological well-being. Chief guest Manjuli Komut Jamoh highlighted the crucial role of nurses in healthcare and urged students to remain empathetic towards patients. “Nursing is a practically demanding profession. Nurses must understand the pain and suffering of patients to provide better care,” she said. The programme also included prize distribution for the college week celebrations. Tago Oma and Leena Naloije were awarded the titles of Mr GNCP and Miss GNCP respectively.    

Latest News, National, Popular News, State News

Need of hour is to use petro products with restraint: PM Modi

HYDERABAD, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that the need of the hour, in the wake of the West Asia crisis, is to use petro products with restraint. Speaking at an event here where he virtually laid the foundation stone and inaugurated development projects worth around Rs 9,400 crore in Telangana, Modi said that the imported petro products should be used only as per need, as it will not only save foreign exchange but also reduce the adverse impact of war. Observing that, over the past few years, India has reached a spot among the top countries in the world in terms of solar power, he said, unprecedented work has been done in ethanol blending in petrol. First, the government is focused on 100 per cent LPG coverage, and now, it is focused on the supply of piped gas economically. The government is also promoting a CNG-based system. Due to all these efforts, India is dealing with the major energy crisis in the world, he said. “But, today, the need of the hour is also to use petrol, gas, diesel and such things with great restraint. We have to use imported petro products only as per need. This will not only save foreign exchange but reduce the adverse impact of war,” he said. Referring to CM Revanth Reddy’s comments that there should not be politics in development endeavour, Modi said he would also not talk politics. Assuring Centre’s support to Telangana, he asked Reddy to join him in the development journey. “I would tell Revanth ji. I am ready to give you as much as the Centre gave to Gujarat during 10 years rule. But, as per my information, I will tell you. The moment I do that, what you are getting would become half. You will not be able to reach where you want to reach. That’s why, it is better you join with me,” he said. Noting that it is not wrong to have different party governments in a democracy, he stressed that the development of states is as important as the country’s development. Country’s development is not possible without the development of states, he stressed, calling for collective efforts to achieve the goal of Viksit Bharat 2047. He also said the country is implementing reforms at speed, and is also building modern infrastructure. He said he would like to assure every family in Telangana that the Centre will continue to work “with greater speed to realise your dreams”. Modi said, over the last 11 years, the National Highway network in Telangana has doubled. Taking a jab at the previous UPA government, he said, before 2014, the railway budget used to be less than Rs 1,000 crore for undivided Andhra Pradesh. However, the railway budget today only for Telangana is Rs 5,500 crore, he said. “Are you listening Revanth ji? During the undivided AP, the railway budget was less than Rs 1,000 crore. I am not talking about undivided AP today, Telangana’s railway budget alone is Rs 5,500 crore,” he said. About Rs 50,000 crore worth of railway projects are going on in Telangana, he said. Earlier, in his address, CM Revanth Reddy said the Centre should support the state’s development initiatives, including expansion of metro rail network, Future City project and Musi rejuvenation. He sought two hours from Modi to review the development proposals of Telangana. The state government has announced the Telangana Rising 2047 vision in line with the Centre’s Viksit Bharat 2047 goal, he said. The Telangana government aims to make the state a USD three trillion economy by 2047, Reddy said. During the event, Modi virtually laid the foundation stone and inaugurated development projects worth around Rs 9,400 crore in Telangana at the HICC here. Telangana Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla, Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, Union Ministers G Kishan Reddy, Bandi Sanjay Kumar, and several other leaders attended the event at the Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC). Modi laid the foundation for projects, including the four-laning of National Highway-167 from Gudebellur to Mahabubnagar on the Hyderabad-Panaji Economic Corridor and Zaheerabad Industrial Area in Sangareddy district. He inaugurated various sections of Kazipet-Vijayawada multi-tracking project of railways, Greenfield POL (Petroleum, Oil, Lubricants) Terminal in Hyderabad, Kazipet Rail Under Rail Bypass and PM MITRA Park at Warangal (Kakatiya Mega Textile Park). Developed at an estimated cost of around Rs 1,700 crore, the Kakatiya Mega Textile Park is India’s first fully functional PM MITRA Park and operationalises the Centre’s 5F vision – Farm to Fibre to Factory to Fashion to Foreign. (Source: PTI)      

Latest News, Popular News, State News

Mein hails Subansiri hydropower milestone as 1,000 MW mark achieved

ITANAGAR, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein on Sunday congratulated NHPC on the successful commissioning of unit 4 of the Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project, stating that the achievement marks a major step towards strengthening India’s clean, sustainable and self-reliant energy future. With the commissioning of the 250 MW fourth unit, the total operational capacity of the ambitious project has now reached 1,000 MW, marking another significant milestone in one of India’s largest hydropower ventures. Mein, who also holds the power and hydropower portfolio, lauded the efforts of engineers, technical experts, workers and all stakeholders associated with the project for their dedication and perseverance. “Congratulations to NHPC on the successful commissioning of unit 4 of the Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project, raising the project’s total operational capacity to 1,000 MW,” Mein said in a social media post. Describing the development as a landmark achievement in the country’s renewable energy sector, the deputy chief minister said the project symbolises India’s growing commitment towards environmentally sustainable and self-reliant power generation. “This achievement marks another significant step in India’s pursuit of clean, sustainable and self-reliant energy generation,” he said. Mein further extended his appreciation to every individual involved in the execution of the mega hydropower project. “I extend my sincere appreciation to the engineers, technical teams, workers, officials and every stakeholder associated with this landmark project for their unwavering commitment, hard work and resilience in overcoming challenges and steadily advancing towards full commissioning,” he said. The project, being developed by NHPC on the Subansiri River along the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border, is India’s largest hydroelectric project with an installed capacity of 2,000 MW comprising eight units of 250 MW each. NHPC declared the commercial operation of unit 4 effective from May 8, taking the project’s operational capacity to 1,000 MW with four units now commissioned. The mega hydropower project is considered crucial for strengthening energy security in the Northeast and enhancing the country’s renewable energy capacity. Once fully operational, the project is expected to significantly boost power availability across the region while contributing to India’s clean energy targets, officials said. The project, which witnessed years of delay due to environmental and social concerns before construction resumed in 2019, has in recent months achieved several engineering milestones, including the installation of India’s heaviest hydro rotor for unit 5 earlier this year. (Source: PTI)      

Latest News, Popular News, State News

10-ft python rescued, released in Kane Wildlife Sanctuary

LIKABALI, The Likabali Forest Division on Sunday rescued and released a python that had entered a residential area at Masi village. The reptile, measuring around 10 feet in length and weighing nearly 15 kilograms, was captured by villagers after it strayed into the locality. The villagers handled the situation carefully and ensured that the python was not harmed. After a detailed health assessment by forest officials, the python was found fit for release and was later released into its natural habitat under Kane Wildlife Sanctuary. The rescue and release operation was carried out under the supervision of Likabali Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Keto Basar, Kane Wildlife Sanctuary Range Forest Officer Jumgo Geyi and Laipulia Range Forest Officer Kenjum Membom. The Likabali Forest Division appreciated the awareness and cooperation shown by the villagers in protecting wildlife and urged the public to immediately inform the Forest Department whenever wild animals are spotted near human habitation areas. (DIPR)