State News

Staff Reporter ITANAGAR : The Voice of Unemployed Laboratory Technicians (VULT) on Friday announced that it will stage a peaceful protest on July 27 at the tennis court near IG Park here, demanding immediate recruitment to 192 sanctioned Medical Laboratory Technologist (MLT) posts through the Arunachal Pradesh Staff Selection Board (APSSB) and scrapping of the laboratory services tender awarded to a private company. Addressing a press conference at the Arunachal Press Club here, VULT chairman Tamchi Tago alleged that despite repeated memorandums submitted to the state government and the Department of Health and Family Welfare over the years, the organisation’s demands have remained unaddressed. “We have been raising this issue for a long time, but our voice has gone unheard and our grievances have been ignored by the state government,” Tago said. He said the proposed protest is aimed at pressing the government to address the long-pending demand for recruitment of laboratory technicians and to end outsourcing of laboratory services. The organisation demanded immediate advertisement of the 192 sanctioned MLT posts through the APSSB, cancellation of the existing laboratory services tender system, discontinuation of outsourcing and Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models in laboratory and blood bank services, and publication of a white paper on vacant technical posts under the Health Department. Tago claimed that although the 192 posts have already been sanctioned and the recruitment rules are in place, the department has allegedly failed to initiate the recruitment process and is instead giving priority to outsourcing laboratory services. Expressing concern over the shortage of technical manpower, he said the continued delay in recruitment is affecting laboratory services and compromising the delivery of quality healthcare across the state. Questioning the delay, Tago asked why the APSSB has not issued an advertisement for the sanctioned posts despite the availability of approved recruitment rules. On the issue of outsourcing, he alleged that the laboratory services tender has deprived eligible unemployed youths of Arunachal Pradesh of employment opportunities, claiming that private agencies are engaging technicians from outside the state. He further alleged that 14 laboratory technicians presently working at the Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (TRIHMS) are non-APST personnel deployed through a private company. The organisation urged the state government, particularly the Department of Health and Family Welfare, to advertise all 192 vacant MLT posts through the APSSB without further delay and ensure a transparent and merit-based recruitment process. It also appealed to the government to recognise laboratory technologists as essential healthcare professionals and engage with unemployed health workers to build confidence and fairness in the recruitment system. Earlier, the organization held a peaceful rally in Itanagar on June 15, 2026, expressing its demands.      

Staff Reporter ITANAGAR : A Joint Action Committee (JAC) has demanded the cancellation of a Notice Inviting Tender (NIT) issued by the Animal Husbandry, Veterinary and Dairy Development Department for empanelment of suppliers of essential veterinary medicines and instruments, alleging that the tender violates constitutional provisions and the state government’s procurement policy. Addressing a press conference at the Arunachal Press Club here on Friday, JAC chairman Rei Taha said the committee has submitted a representation to the Secretary of the department seeking immediate cancellation of the NIT dated June 30, 2026, issued vide No. AHV/12011/03/2026-27. Taha alleged that the tender was legally untenable as it was issued by the Director of Animal Husbandry, Veterinary and Dairy Development without being expressed in the name of the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, as required under Article 299 of the Constitution of India. He claimed that all government contracts executed under the executive power of a state must be made in the name of the Governor and by authorised persons. Since the NIT was allegedly not issued in accordance with these provisions, the committee termed it “illegal and non-est.” The JAC further alleged that the tender contravenes the state government’s notification dated August 19, 2020, issued by the Chief Secretary on behalf of the Governor, which promotes the “Vocal for Local” and “Atma Nirbhar Bharat” initiatives. According to the committee, the notification mandates that procurement of goods and services should be carried out locally through the normal tender process, while procurement through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) should be resorted to only when the required items are unavailable locally. However, the committee alleged that the department bypassed the policy by inviting sealed tenders from reputed companies, authorised suppliers and manufacturers from outside the state for empanelment of suppliers of essential veterinary medicines and instruments. The committee claimed that such a move deprives local entrepreneurs of the opportunity to participate in the tender process and defeats the objective of encouraging indigenous businesses. Demanding corrective action, the JAC urged the government to cancel the existing NIT and issue a fresh tender inviting eligible local entrepreneurs to participate in the empanelment process for the supply of essential veterinary medicines and instruments. The representation has also been forwarded to the nodal officer concerned for examination and further necessary action.      

ITANAGAR : Dera Natung Government College (DNGC), Itanagar, on Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NESO Fugensus Pvt. Ltd. (NE-ORGANICS) to strengthen industry-academia collaboration and enhance student employability through skill development, internships, entrepreneurship and organic farming initiatives. The five-year agreement was signed by DNGC Principal Dr M Q Khan and NESO Fugensus Director and CEO Nima Sona in the presence of representatives from both organisations. The MoU may be renewed with mutual consent. Under the partnership, the two institutions will collaborate to provide internships, industrial exposure and project opportunities for undergraduate and postgraduate students. The agreement also provides for workshops, seminars, faculty and student exchange programmes, and short-term training courses to strengthen academic and professional competencies. A major focus of the collaboration will be the promotion of organic farming, sustainable agricultural practices and rural entrepreneurship. The partners will jointly organise awareness programmes, capacity-building initiatives and technology transfer activities for farmers, self-help groups (SHGs) and rural entrepreneurs. The MoU also envisages collaborative research, joint publications and other academic engagements to promote innovation and knowledge-sharing, besides entrepreneurship development programmes and career guidance to help students become industry-ready. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Khan said the partnership would bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical industry experience while creating new opportunities for students to develop entrepreneurial skills and contribute meaningfully to society. Representatives of NESO Fugensus said the company remains committed to promoting sustainable organic agriculture and creating opportunities for young people through innovation, training and collaborative initiatives. The agreement also includes provisions on confidentiality, dispute resolution and mutual responsibilities to ensure a transparent and long-term partnership focused on academic excellence and socio-economic development. The collaboration is expected to strengthen DNGC’s efforts to provide experiential learning opportunities while contributing to Arunachal Pradesh’s vision of sustainable development, organic farming and youth empowerment.      

PASIGHAT : East Siang Additional Deputy Commissioner (i/c Deputy Commissioner) Pebika Lego chaired the District Development Review-cum-District Level Monitoring Committee (DDR-cum-DLMC) meeting at the DC’s Conference Hall here on Friday, reviewing the progress of developmental programmes and public service delivery across the district. The meeting was attended by East Siang Zilla Parishad Chairperson Ruth Tabing Boko, Zilla Parishad Members and Heads of Departments (HoDs). Reviewing the implementation of various government programmes, Lego stressed the need to maintain quality in all developmental works and directed the departments concerned to ensure timely and efficient execution of projects. She asked HoDs to candidly highlight field-level challenges so that appropriate interventions could be initiated without delay. Emphasising administrative efficiency, the ADC instructed departments to deploy capable personnel for effective discharge of official responsibilities and directed the Education Department to submit its Action Taken Report at the earliest. She also reviewed the functioning of the Agriculture, Veterinary and Fisheries departments and sought details of banking-related issues, delays or other constraints affecting implementation of government schemes. She advised all departments to hold regular internal coordination meetings before submitting reports to ensure accuracy, consistency and better inter-departmental coordination. Highlighting East Siang’s tourism potential, Lego said several villages have immense scope for tourism development and called for coordinated efforts by the Pasighat Municipal Council (PMC), Panchayati Raj Institutions and local communities to improve village infrastructure and aesthetics to attract visitors. She also asked departments to involve the District Information and Public Relations Officer (DIPRO) while organising awareness programmes and training so that government initiatives receive wider publicity. The ADC further urged all departments to ensure that eligible casual workers, Assistant Labour Commissioners (ALCs) and departmental staff are enrolled under social security schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) and Atal Pension Yojana (APY), besides ensuring timely renewal of these schemes. During the meeting, East Siang Deputy Director of School Education Adhuk Tabing highlighted difficulties in obtaining Land Possession Certificates (LPCs) for schools. He informed that several schools are located on Forest Department land where obtaining No Objection Certificates (NOCs) has become difficult. In some cases, descendants of families who had donated land for schools have refused to issue NOCs, claiming the land was donated without proper family consent or compensation, while some have demanded government employment for a family member in return. Lego appealed to the Zilla Parishad Chairperson and Zilla Parishad Members to play a proactive role in resolving grassroots issues, stating that their intervention as elected representatives is crucial for effective governance and timely redressal of public grievances. She also directed departments to submit verified and accurate data, stressing that official reports must reflect the ground reality. Speaking during the meeting, East Siang Zilla Parishad Chairperson Ruth Tabing Boko underscored the importance of close coordination between government departments and elected representatives, stating that active involvement of ZPMs facilitates timely and amicable resolution of local issues. Heads of various departments also shared challenges faced in implementing developmental programmes and delivering public services, with discussions focusing on practical solutions through stronger inter-departmental coordination. The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from the district administration and participating departments to strengthen governance and accelerate the overall development of East Siang district. (DIPR)        

Mingkeng Osik PASIGHAT : The Adi Ba:ne Kebang Youth Wing (ABKYW-Apex) has distributed ₹4.17 lakh in financial assistance to flood-affected families in East Siang district after raising the amount through a voluntary online contribution drive launched in the aftermath of the devastating floods of June 28. ABKYW Apex president Narmi Oki Dai said the one-day fundraising campaign received voluntary contributions from people across Namsai, Yingkiong, Boleng, Pasighat and Itanagar. He expressed gratitude to all individuals and organisations who extended support to the flood victims. Following field inspections, the Youth Wing prioritised assistance to families whose Wet Rice Cultivation (WRC) fields and houses had suffered extensive damage. Financial assistance was disbursed according to the extent of losses incurred. The relief was distributed as follows: Sido village ₹25,000; Korang village ₹20,000; Bilat village ₹40,000; Boying village ₹40,000; Mongku village ₹12,000; Ledum village ₹1.80 lakh, including ₹1.05 lakh for seven damaged WRC fields and ₹75,000 for three damaged houses; Mirem village ₹75,000 for five damaged WRC fields; and Rasam village ₹25,000 for one damaged house. Oki Dai said members of the Youth Wing personally visited the affected villages and witnessed the hardships faced by the residents. He noted that Korang and Sido villages continue to face serious difficulties due to damaged roads and disrupted drinking water supply. On behalf of the organisation and the flood-affected families, he appealed to Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, East Siang Deputy Commissioner and the departments concerned, including the Rural Engineering Department (RED), Public Works Department (PWD) and Public Health Engineering Department (PHED), to restore road connectivity and drinking water facilities in the affected villages at the earliest. Expressing gratitude on behalf of the beneficiaries, Oki Dai said the overwhelming support received from donors across the state reflected the spirit of unity and collective responsibility during times of crisis.    

TAWANG : Tawang Deputy Commissioner Namgyal Angmo chaired the third District Level Monitoring Committee (DLMC) meeting on Friday, directing departments to expedite developmental works, strengthen monitoring mechanisms and ensure timely completion of projects. The meeting, held at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall, was attended by Tawang Zilla Parishad Chairperson Leki Gombu, Tawang Superintendent of Police Tasi Darang, Additional Deputy Commissioners Hakraso Kri (Jang) and Tashi Dhondup (Lungla), Heads of Departments, Executive Engineers and officials of project-implementing agencies. Earlier, Assistant Commissioner-cum-District Planning Officer Nawang Thutan welcomed the participants and outlined the agenda. In her opening remarks, the Deputy Commissioner directed all Heads of Departments and field-level officials to remain stationed at their respective headquarters to ensure accountability and effective implementation of government programmes. The review began with a presentation by the Executive Engineer of the Public Works Department (PWD), Lungla Division, on the progress of ongoing projects, followed by presentations from other implementing departments. Reviewing the progress, Angmo directed all departments to include photographs of ongoing works and completed milestones in future presentations. She observed that review meetings would be meaningful only if they reflected tangible progress on the ground. She instructed that from the next DLMC meeting onwards, every department should present comparative photographs showing the status of projects during the previous review and their current stage of execution to facilitate objective assessment. Highlighting the importance of sustainable development, the Deputy Commissioner enquired whether plastic waste was being utilised in road metalling works wherever feasible and encouraged departments to adopt environmentally sustainable construction practices. Expressing concern over delays in project execution, she directed Executive Engineers to issue notices to contractors responsible for slow progress and take appropriate measures to ensure timely completion of works. She also stressed the need to expedite projects under the Vibrant Villages Programme, considering their strategic importance for border area development. The Deputy Commissioner further asked departments to proactively highlight implementation bottlenecks for timely intervention. She directed that future DLMC presentations should include project-wise physical and financial progress, target completion dates, challenges and proposed solutions, adding that forthcoming meetings would begin with a review of the Action Taken Report on decisions taken in the previous meeting. Speaking on the occasion, Tawang Zilla Parishad Chairperson Leki Gombu appreciated the efforts of implementing departments in maintaining satisfactory progress despite the district’s short working season and logistical challenges. He urged departments to further accelerate developmental works while maintaining quality standards. The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthen inter-departmental coordination and ensure timely and quality execution of developmental projects across Tawang district. (DIPR)