State News

ITANAGAR : The 1 Arunachal Pradesh Battalion National Cadet Corps (NCC), under the aegis of the NCC Group Headquarters Tezpur, concluded its 10-day Combined Annual Training Camp (CATC-68) and Yuva Aapda Mitra Scheme (YAMS) programme at Rajiv Gandhi Government Polytechnic College (RGGPC), Itanagar, on Friday. The camp brought together 247 NCC cadets from across the state under the leadership of the Commanding Officer of 1 Arunachal Pradesh Battalion NCC. Despite persistent rainfall and weather-related disruptions, many cadets travelled from remote areas, with some taking long detours to reach the camp. The training was conducted with the support of 10 military personnel, four Associate NCC Officers (ANOs) and one Caretaker Officer (CTO), who supervised the training and welfare of the cadets. The camp received a morale boost with the visit of Brigadier Mayank Vaid, Commander of NCC Group Headquarters Tezpur, who interacted with the cadets and encouraged them to uphold the values of discipline, leadership and national service. The training programme familiarised cadets with the discipline and ethos of military camp life while providing instruction in physical training, field craft and battle craft, weapon handling and musketry, small arms firing, sword drill, yoga, games and personality development through expert lectures. A major component of the camp was the Yuva Aapda Mitra Scheme, under which cadets received disaster preparedness and emergency response training from certified instructors of the Arunachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA). The sessions covered disaster risk reduction, relief and rescue operations, and emergency management techniques to respond to floods, cloudbursts and earthquakes. The concluding phase of the camp featured Survival Day and Fun Day, aimed at strengthening teamwork, camaraderie and cultural integration through interactive activities and the sharing of traditional cuisines from different parts of the state. According to the organisers, the camp successfully contributed to the holistic development of the cadets by combining military-oriented training with leadership, discipline and disaster management skills.      

ITANAGAR : A one-day stakeholder consultation on “Drugs, HIV and Prison Health Responses” was held at District Jail Jully on Friday to discuss prison health, substance abuse prevention, HIV response and inmate rehabilitation. The programme was jointly organised by the Centre for Distance and Online Education (CDOE), Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU), the Recovery Wellness Society and the Srimanta Foundation for Culture & Society. The consultation brought together prison officials, inmates, faculty members of CDOE, and representatives of the organising organisations to promote awareness on prison health, correctional reforms and public health interventions aimed at addressing substance abuse and HIV transmission. Delivering the keynote address on the theme “Building a New Life,” former Assam Director General of Police Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta encouraged inmates to embrace hope, discipline and resilience while preparing for life after release. Stressing that everyone deserves a second chance, he urged them to become responsible citizens and contribute positively to society. Addressing the gathering, Arunachal Pradesh Inspector General of Prisons Tojo Karga highlighted the state’s efforts towards correctional reforms and inmate welfare. He urged inmates to use their period of incarceration for self-reflection, personal growth and behavioural change, adding that moderation in life is essential to avoid adverse consequences. He also said the prison has earned recognition as one of the best correctional facilities in the region and reaffirmed the department’s commitment to providing a safe and reformative environment. Earlier, CDOE Assistant Professor Kiri Taso welcomed the participants and resource persons. During the first technical session, Recovery Wellness Society founder and project head Anupam Rohit spoke on “Understanding Substance Abuse: Causes, Consequences, Recovery and Hope.” Drawing on his experience in addiction recovery, he said lasting recovery requires determination, self-discipline and a willingness to rebuild one’s life. He also emphasised that positive thinking and disciplined living are essential for successful reintegration into society. An educational documentary titled “Myths and Truths About Substance Abuse” was also screened to create awareness on addiction, treatment and recovery. The second technical session was conducted by Srimanta Foundation for Culture & Society trustee Dipankar Mahanta, who spoke on “Yoga, Spirituality and Inner Well-being.” He highlighted the role of yoga, meditation and spiritual practices in improving physical and mental health, emotional resilience and overall well-being, and encouraged inmates to adopt these practices in their daily lives. The programme concluded with an interactive session during which inmates shared their experiences and sought guidance on rehabilitation, addiction recovery and reintegration into society. CDOE Assistant Professor-cum-Coordinator Moyir Riba proposed the vote of thanks, expressing appreciation to the prison administration, resource persons and participants for contributing to the success of the programme. One inmate, responding to a discussion on strengthening de-addiction initiatives in prisons, remarked, “It is not about what we want, or even what we need, but whether we are ready to work with what we have.”  

ITANAGAR : A fire triggered by a suspected electrical short circuit destroyed eight houses and left several families homeless here shortly after midnight on Thursday, officials said. Although no casualties were reported, the blaze reduced residential and rental property at Pappu Nallah area to ashes and caused losses worth lakhs of rupees. The fire broke out at Puroik Colony around 12.20 am, following which three fire tenders and 11 firefighters were deployed to the spot. After an operation lasting over three hours, the flames were brought under control, preventing further spread to adjoining structures, officials added. Officials said preliminary findings indicate that the blaze may have originated from an electrical short circuit in a rented house, based on the tenant’s statement. The exact cause, however, will be established after completion of the investigation. Officials said the first fire tender reached the site within minutes of receiving the distress call, while two additional tenders joined the operation. Later in the day, Itanagar MLA Techi Kaso, accompanied by officials of the Itanagar Capital Region district administration and the Ward No 13 corporator, visited the fire-ravaged locality to assess the damage. Immediate relief was extended to the affected families and tenants, while the MLA instructed the district administration to undertake a detailed assessment of the losses to facilitate compensation for eligible victims under the prescribed government norms. (Source: PTI)

ITANAGAR : The state-level Jan Sammelan-cum-launch of the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin), popularly known as VB-G RAM G, was held at Tigdo village under the Doimukh Community Development Block in Papum Pare district on Thursday. Organised by the Arunachal Pradesh Rural Development Department in collaboration with the Papum Pare District Rural Development Agency, the programme was held simultaneously with the national launch at Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh, where Union Rural Development and Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan formally launched the mission. In Arunachal Pradesh, the programme was inaugurated by Rural Development Minister’s Advisor Taniya Soki in the presence of Papum Pare Zilla Parishad Chairperson Bamang Yayu, Papum Pare Deputy Commissioner Lobsang Tsering and senior Rural Development Department officials. The event witnessed the participation of Panchayati Raj Institution representatives, beneficiaries, departmental officials and members of the public. The programme began with a welcome address by Papum Pare Deputy Director (Rural Development) Bengia Yakar. Speaking on the occasion, Joint Director (Rural Employment) Chera Sanjiv outlined the key features of the new mission and announced that the wage rate under the scheme has been increased to ₹300 per day. He said the scheme guarantees 125 days of wage employment to eligible rural households, replacing the earlier 100-day employment guarantee under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). Addressing the gathering, Papum Pare DC Lobsang Tsering stressed the need to prioritise demand-driven works and assets that enhance livelihood opportunities, strengthen rural infrastructure, create durable community assets and promote economic empowerment. He urged Panchayati Raj Institution leaders, self-help groups, village communities and district and block officials to work collectively for the effective implementation of the mission. Papum Pare Zilla Parishad Chairperson Bamang Yayu called upon officials to provide continuous guidance and support to Panchayati Raj representatives in implementing government schemes, including VB-G RAM G. She said the programme would not only generate employment but also contribute to the creation of durable assets and improve the quality of life in rural areas. In his address, Taniya Soki explained that VB-G RAM G marks the transition from MGNREGA in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. He elaborated on the categories of works that can be undertaken under the scheme and highlighted the government’s emphasis on transparency and accountability through technology-driven implementation. While acknowledging that initial challenges may arise during the transition, he said the reforms would ultimately benefit genuinely needy rural households. The programme concluded with the commencement of a new work under the VB-G RAM G mission at Tigdo village.  

ITANAGAR : Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Thursday said the Ramakrishna Mission will soon establish two institutes of higher education in the state to expand access to quality higher education and promote value-based learning. The institutes will be set up at Aalo in West Siang district and at Narottam Nagar in Tirap district. In a post on X after meeting a delegation of the Ramakrishna Mission, Khandu said the proposed institutions would mark a major step towards strengthening the state’s higher education sector. “We had a fruitful discussion with a delegation from the Ramakrishna Mission led by Revered Swami Bodhasarananda Ji. The meeting focused on the establishment of Institutes of Higher Education at Aalo and Narottam Nagar, which will mark a significant step towards expanding quality higher education opportunities in Arunachal Pradesh,” he said in the post. Swami Bodhasarananda is the assistant general secretary of the Ramakrishna Mission. Khandu said the Mission has earned immense respect for its decades-long contribution to education and social service in Arunachal Pradesh, and expressed confidence that the new institutions would further enhance the state’s academic landscape. He said that the state government remains committed to strengthening educational infrastructure and partnering with reputed institutions to create better opportunities for students. Khandu added that the proposed institutes would help nurture skilled and socially responsible young citizens while providing quality higher education within the state. (Source: PTI)    

PASIGHAT : Guardian Minister Nyato Dukam on Thursday reviewed the developmental progress of various departments in East Siang district and called for greater coordination, accountability and teamwork to ensure effective governance and improved public service delivery. Chairing the District Review Meeting at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall here, Dukam also reviewed the implementation of government programmes and projects and discussed challenges affecting their execution across the district. Addressing the meeting, the minister said that while the creation of social and physical infrastructure is essential, equal importance must be given to its maintenance to ensure sustainable development. “Development is meaningful only when the assets created are maintained for the benefit of future generations,” he said. Observing that challenges are inevitable in governance, Dukam said public officials have been entrusted with the responsibility of resolving them and urged all officers to discharge their duties with sincerity, accountability and a strong sense of responsibility. Expressing concern over the growing drug menace among the youth, he called for coordinated efforts by all stakeholders to tackle the problem effectively. He also stressed the need for efficient revenue collection, saying it is crucial for the smooth functioning and development of both the state and the nation. Referring to Arunachal Pradesh as being in a phase of rapid transformation, Dukam said developmental activities should not be hindered by vested interests. He directed the district administration to take firm measures to safeguard government land and prevent encroachment by exercising the powers vested in it. The minister further said that Panchayati Raj Institutions have been vested with significant powers and urged elected representatives to utilise them effectively for the welfare and development of society. He called upon all stakeholders to remain proactive in fulfilling their responsibilities to secure a better future for coming generations. Earlier, East Siang Deputy Commissioner Sonalika Jiwani gave a detailed presentation on the district’s developmental achievements, ongoing projects and departmental performance. During the meeting, Pasighat East MLA Tapi Darang and Mebo MLA Oken Tayeng highlighted key issues affecting the district, including the shortage of subject teachers in schools, waste management, land encroachment and the need for adequate funds to restore public infrastructure damaged in the recent floods. Dukam also interacted with heads of departments, reviewed their performance and addressed issues raised during the meeting. Among others, Pasighat Municipal Council Chief Councillor Tagom Padung, East Siang Superintendent of Police Pankaj Lamba, Additional Deputy Commissioner (In-charge) Pebika Lego, Mebo Additional Deputy Commissioner Nancy Yirang, Ruksin Additional Deputy Commissioner Kiran Ningo, heads of departments and other district officials attended the meeting.