State News

DADAM, AUG 22: Tirap Deputy Commissioner Badonlum Tawsik made his maiden visit to Dadam Circle Headquarters on Saturday to assess the functioning of key administrative, educational and healthcare institutions, review local challenges and inspect a proposed site for establishment of a Sashastra Seema Bal (SIB) camp. The DC was accompanied by DLRSO Lomin Lonchung, DCIO (SIB), PI Timat Nokbi and ATDSU Convenor Khiapgi Agi. During the visit, he inspected the Circle Officer’s Office, Government Secondary School, Tirong Aboh Primary Health Centre (TA-PHC), Dadam Police Station and the CRPF and Assam Rifles camps. At Dadam Police Station, the DC interacted with the Officer-in-Charge and took stock of the prevailing law-and-order situation. He also interacted with personnel of the security forces deployed in the area and reviewed issues related to the effective functioning of the administrative headquarters. At Government Secondary School Dadam, Tawsik interacted with the Headmaster-in-Charge and teaching staff and reviewed the school’s academic performance and examination results. He appreciated the staff for their efforts in maintaining good academic performance in the CBSE. Taking note of the shortage of boys’ hostel accommodation, the DC assured the school authorities that the matter would be taken up with the higher authorities of the Education Department. He also assured them that the issue of irregular power supply would be discussed with the Executive Engineer of the Power Department for necessary improvement. At TA-PHC, the DC reviewed the availability and deployment of doctors, nurses and paramedical staff and inspected the stock of medicines. He directed the Medical Officer-in-Charge to ensure proper verification of expiry dates before medicines are issued to patients. The DC urged medical personnel to discharge their duties with sincerity and dedication to ensure timely and effective healthcare services. He also assured that complaints regarding frequent power disruptions at the health centre would be taken up with the Executive Engineer (Electrical) to ensure reliable power supply. The DC also inspected the proposed site for the SIB Camp at Dadam and reviewed requirements related to site selection and establishment of the facility. The visit was aimed at assessing the functioning of the administrative outpost and identifying measures to improve essential services, particularly education and healthcare, besides strengthening administrative and security arrangements in the area. It may be recalled that Tawsik had earlier visited border-area villages under Lazu Administrative Circle, where he also interacted with residents at a public meeting and took stock of local issues and concerns.    

ROING, AUG 22: The All Arunachal Pradesh Oil Palm Farmers Association held its second Central Executive Meeting at Roing in Lower Dibang Valley district on Saturday, bringing together farmers and representatives from 10 districts to discuss challenges facing oil palm growers and measures to strengthen the association. Representatives from Pakke Kessang, Papum Pare, Kamle, East Siang, Lower Dibang Valley, Lohit, Namsai, Lower Siang, Tirap and Changlang participated in the meeting. The deliberations focused on mobilising funds for the association, addressing farmers’ grievances, strengthening organisational functioning and resolving issues involving growers, the Agriculture Department and oil palm companies. Members also sought clarity on the gestation period applicable to newly enrolled farmers and discussed legal and regulatory matters related to oil palm cultivation. Farmers highlighted transportation difficulties arising from inadequate collection centres, damage to plantations by wild animals, concerns over excessive or improper use of fertilisers and delays in payments for Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFBs). The participants also stressed the need for greater transparency and accountability in the association’s financial management at both district and State levels, calling for responsible handling of funds and clarity in financial transactions. Association State President Hormin Camdir Teli alleged financial irregularities involving some office-bearers, claiming that certain executives had engaged in unauthorised transactions with respective District Agriculture Officers, resulting in only a portion of intended funds reaching farmers. The allegations could not be independently verified, and responses from those concerned were not immediately available. The meeting called for stronger coordination among farmers, the Agriculture Department and oil palm companies, along with transparent mechanisms for grievance redressal and timely assistance and payments to growers. The participating farmers reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the association as a united platform to represent the interests and concerns of oil palm growers across Arunachal Pradesh.    

ITANAGAR, AUG 21: Governor Lt Gen (Retd) KT Parnaik on Friday stressed the need for practical, people-centric and future-ready administrative reforms, with a focus on improving last-mile delivery, inclusive development and ensuring responsive and accountable governance for people living in remote border and rural areas of the state, an official said. The governor made the remarks when Arunachal Pradesh Administrative Reforms Commission chairman Pramod Jain called on him at Lok Bhavan here. The two reviewed ongoing and proposed reforms aimed at strengthening public trust, empowering grassroots institutions, enhancing transparency and accountability, and improving the efficiency and reach of public services, an official statement said. Parnaik said the state’s administrative framework must evolve in line with the aspirations of its people and the changing requirements of governance. He stressed the importance of participatory and decentralised governance, transparency, accountability, digitalisation, timely delivery of services and an outcome-oriented administration. The governor also underlined the need to strengthen grassroots institutions to ensure that decision-making and the benefits of development reach communities more effectively. Observing the unique challenges faced by Arunachal Pradesh, Parnaik said the state requires an administrative system that is efficient, agile and responsive to local needs. As the largest state in the Northeast by area, Arunachal Pradesh has vast mountainous terrain, scattered settlements, rich tribal and cultural diversity and sensitive international borders, which pose distinct challenges to governance, he said. Parnaik also called for greater use of technology and data-driven governance to overcome geographical barriers and improve access to public services, particularly in remote areas. (Source: PTI)    

NAHARLAGUN, AUG 21: Central Nyokum Yullo Council (CNYC) Chairman and businessman Ha Tatu has called upon all sections of society to follow the “triple PPP” — preservation, protection and promotion — of indigenous traditions, values and cultural heritage. Addressing a felicitation ceremony organised by the Changtum Butte Charitable Society (CBCS) at a city hotel as the Chief Guest, Tatu said collective efforts were necessary to safeguard indigenous identity, traditional values and rich cultural heritage. “If we want to protect our identity, traditional values and rich cultural heritage, we have to opt for the triple PPP and join hands together,” he said. Speaking about Nyokum Yullo, Tatu said the festival has a deep-rooted relationship with the Nyishi community and represents its identity. He stressed that the festival should be protected and promoted irrespective of differences in faith and belief. “It is not a matter of which faith and belief we practise. It is time that everyone comes together without criticising others and celebrates Nyokum Yullo,” he said, adding that the festival has diverse traditional forms of celebration. Tatu also stressed the need to document indigenous languages, traditions, culture and history. He appreciated the efforts of the Department of Indigenous Affairs (DIA) in this regard and lauded Director Likha Suraj, urging the department to continue the work with public support and cooperation. He also appreciated CBCS for organising the felicitation ceremony, which was attended by several leaders and representatives of indigenous organisations. Among those who addressed the gathering were CNYC General Secretary Biri Son, DIA Director Likha Suraj, Central Longte Committee (CLC) Lokam Nai, All Arunachal Pradesh Priest Welfare Association (AAPPWA) President Tatung Tagar, Arunachal Pradesh Indigenous Priest Society (APIPS) President Nangram Kani, Indigenous Faith & Culture Society of Arunachal Pradesh (IFCSAP) AGS Ngurang Gagung, All Arunachal Pradesh Abo-Tani Taro Priest Welfare Association President Kipa Rade, Jan Jati Suraksha Manch State Convener Gichik Taja, CBCS Chairman Ringu Gautam and Secretary Yorum Sajan. The speakers shared suggestions and views on strengthening indigenous traditions, culture and festivals. The gathering also felicitated Ha Tatu and Biri Son following their election as Chairman and General Secretary of the CNYC respectively.      

TAWANG, AUG 21: Preparations for the proposed International Tourism Mart (ITM) at Tawang gained momentum with a coordination meeting chaired by Tawang Deputy Commissioner Namgyal Angmo at the DC office here on Friday. The event is tentatively scheduled from October 28 to 31, 2026. The meeting was attended by Tawang Additional Deputy Commissioner Rinchin Leta, District Tourism Officer Tsering Deki, representatives of taxi and tour operators and other stakeholders. Tsering Deki presented the tentative day-wise programme and briefed participants on proposed activities and visits during the ITM. She said tourist footfall in Tawang has increased significantly and thanked the Ministry of Tourism Government of India and the Government of Arunachal Pradesh for proposing Tawang as the venue. She said hosting the ITM would provide an important platform to showcase Tawang’s tourism potential, cultural heritage, natural beauty and hospitality to a wider audience. She called for active participation and cooperation from all stakeholders. Addressing the meeting, Angmo stressed the need for advance preparation and close coordination among departments and stakeholders. “The earlier ITM conducted in Tawang was very successful. This time too, we need to be even more prepared and work collectively to make the event a grand success,” she said. The meeting deliberated on the tentative itinerary and proposed visits of delegates to tourist destinations and other important locations in and around Tawang. Discussions also covered transportation, accommodation, medical backup, traffic management, protocol arrangements, township road maintenance and coordination with the Army, paramilitary forces and other agencies. Emphasising cleanliness and responsible tourism, the Deputy Commissioner urged taxi and tour operators to ensure proper management of plastic and other waste generated at tourist destinations and stressed collective responsibility for keeping tourist spots clean and environmentally sustainable. Tour and taxi operators sought immediate repair and maintenance of the approach road to Pangateng Tso (PT Tso), one of Tawang’s prominent tourist attractions, ahead of the event. Considering Tawang’s high-altitude conditions, the meeting also stressed the need for hotels and taxis to mandatorily keep portable oxygen cylinders available to strengthen preparedness and provide necessary assistance to visitors and delegates. Stakeholders raised various issues and offered suggestions during the open discussion. The District Administration assured that the concerns would be examined and necessary coordination undertaken with the concerned departments and agencies. The meeting concluded with a call for timely preparations and coordinated efforts to ensure the successful conduct of the ITM and showcase Tawang as a clean, safe, hospitable and world-class tourism destination. (DIPR)    

PASIGHAT, AUG 21: Ayi: Ke Ekum, an NGO established in 2023, celebrated World Senior Citizens Day at the IGJ Government Higher Secondary School Auditorium here on Friday, highlighting the dignity, wisdom and contributions of senior citizens. Welcoming the gathering, Pasighat Treasury Officer and Ayi: Ke Ekum General Secretary Tigul Megu said the organisation provides a platform for people above 70 years of age to spend quality time together, share experiences and overcome loneliness. She said the wisdom, values and life experiences of elders have an important role in shaping society and guiding future generations. Senior citizens presented Ka, an age-old traditional cultural song, adding a cultural dimension to the celebration. East Pasighat HMLA Tapi Darang appreciated the initiative and said loneliness is one of the major challenges faced by elderly people. He stressed that society has a collective responsibility to ensure that senior citizens spend their later years with happiness, dignity and companionship. Darang also presented gifts to senior citizens with the highest attendance at the centre and formally launched the official logo of Ayi: Ke Ekum. Guest of Honour and Deputy Director (Integrated Child Development Services) M. T. Padung appreciated the founders and members for the initiative. Emphasising the importance of elders, she said, “When the roots are strong, the branches flourish,” and encouraged senior citizens to share their knowledge, wisdom and life experiences with younger generations. She described elders as pillars of society and said reaching old age is a blessing that allows one to witness generations of family and the changing journey of life. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Ayi: Ke Ekum Vice President Pimi Tato Perme. The event was attended by dignitaries, officers, officials, senior citizens and family members of elderly persons associated with the organisation.