State News

ITANAGAR : Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan called on Governor Lt Gen K T Parnaik (Retd) at Lok Bhavan here on Wednesday. During the meeting, they discussed the damage caused by recent floods in the state, strengthening irrigation, connectivity and rural infrastructure, promotion of organic farming and high-value crops, and enhancing skill development, agri-technology and market linkages. The Governor apprised the Union Minister of the extensive damage caused by the recent floods across several districts and sought continued support from the Centre for relief, rehabilitation and restoration of essential infrastructure and livelihoods. Highlighting Arunachal’s vast agricultural potential, the Governor said focused support from the Union Government could help the state emerge as a hub of sustainable and high-value agriculture. He stressed the need to strengthen infrastructure, promote organic farming, adopt modern technology and improve market access to boost the rural economy. He also sought support for certified organic clusters, natural farming, high-value horticulture, branding of “Organic Arunachal” products, and research, farmer training and climate-resilient agriculture through institutions such as the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD). The Governor further emphasised the importance of skill development, agri-startups, food processing, agro-based industries and stronger market linkages to generate employment and strengthen the rural economy. Chouhan assured the Governor of the Centre’s continued support for Arunachal’s development and the growth of its agriculture sector.    

NAHARLAGUN : The Arunachal Electronic and Digital Media Association (AEDMA), in collaboration with the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), organised a one-day workshop on company law and Goods and Services Tax (GST) matters for its members at Soochna Bhawan in Papu Nallah on Wednesday. Held as a prelude to AEDMA’s 14th Foundation Day, the workshop aimed to sensitise owners and management representatives of digital media houses on statutory compliance relating to company registration, GST and income tax regulations. The participants were also briefed on the importance of timely filing of board resolutions, GST returns and income tax returns in accordance with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs’ requirements, which form one of the key criteria for empanelment and renewal of empanelment with the state government. AEDMA Financial Advisor and senior chartered accountant Ramesh Chandra Roy conducted technical sessions on company law, GST provisions, taxation and regulatory compliance, besides addressing queries from the participants. Arunachal Pradesh Information and Public Relations (IPR) Director Gijum Tali appreciated AEDMA for organising the workshop and stressed the need for greater unity and cooperation among media organisations to strengthen the media fraternity in the state. IPR Deputy Director Denga Bengia briefed the participants on the Arunachal Pradesh Print and Digital Advertisement Policy, 2025, highlighting the criteria for empanelment of media houses and accreditation of journalists. He urged media organisations to uphold high standards of journalism and ensure quality news content. AEDMA president JT Tagam thanked the Directorate of Information and Public Relations for supporting the workshop and invited media professionals to attend the AEDMA Conclave 2026, scheduled to be held on July 29 at the State Banquet Hall in Itanagar to mark the association’s 14th Foundation Day.    

PASIGHAT : Arunachal Pradesh University (APU) celebrated its fourth Foundation Day on Wednesday with a call for collective commitment to building a strong and enduring institution. The programme, held under the theme “Celebrating Togetherness Through Sports and Culture,” marked four years since the university’s establishment and brought together faculty members, staff and students. Addressing the gathering, Vice-Chancellor (In-charge) Dr Milorai Modi commended the university community for its contribution to APU’s growth over the past four years. He said the institution had shown that meaningful progress was possible through sincerity, teamwork and a shared vision. Urging faculty members, staff and students to see themselves as stakeholders in the university’s long-term development, Dr Modi said lasting institutions are built through sustained commitment rather than administration alone. In his capacity as Director of Technical and Higher Education, he also assured continued government support for the university’s development. Presenting the university’s annual report, Assistant Registrar (Establishment) Anil Nangkar highlighted major achievements during the past academic year. He said six new departments had been introduced, taking the total number of active departments to 11. He also reported encouraging academic results, with pass percentages of 84.6 per cent in the second semester and 98.1 per cent in the fourth semester examinations held in May this year. Among the key infrastructure developments, he cited the completion of Academic Block B, construction of residential quarters for teaching and non-teaching staff, and the establishment of a Satellite Incubation Cell to promote innovation and entrepreneurship. As part of the celebrations, winners of sports and cultural competitions were felicitated. Team Registrar emerged as the overall champion. Otik Borang of the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism won the World Cup Quiz Competition, while Tungam Riba of the administrative staff secured first place in the singing competition. Earlier, Head of the Department of Mass Communication Dr Prem Taba welcomed the gathering and underscored the significance of Foundation Day as an occasion to reflect on the university’s responsibilities and future direction. The programme was attended by Registrar Narmi Darang, Controller of Examinations Dr Monshi Tayeng, Dean Prof. P C Jena, heads of departments, faculty members, administrative officers, staff, students and invited guests.      

ITANAGAR : Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan planted a Bokul sapling at Lok Bhavan here on Wednesday during his visit to Arunachal Pradesh. The plantation was part of Lok Bhavan’s tradition of inviting visiting dignitaries to plant saplings as a mark of their commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development. The Bokul tree is known for its fragrant flowers, evergreen nature and ecological significance. The initiative aims to promote environmental awareness while encouraging the active participation of distinguished visitors in preserving a greener and healthier environment.          

RONO HILLS : Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU) accorded a warm farewell to Deputy Librarian Dr Dhananjay Kumar Pandey on his superannuation on June 30, marking the end of more than 26 years of service to the university. Dr Pandey joined RGU on February 18, 2000, as Technical Assistant (Library) and was subsequently promoted to Assistant Librarian and later Deputy Librarian. During his tenure, he played a key role in the development, automation and modernisation of the university library, strengthening its academic resources and services for students, faculty members and research scholars. Before joining RGU, he served at Government Higher Secondary School Miao and the State Central Library. He also contributed to the restoration, preservation and cataloguing of rare books at Raj Bhavan, Itanagar. To mark his retirement, the Rajiv Gandhi University Employees’ Association (RGUEA) organised a felicitation programme attended by Vice-Chancellor Prof. S K Nayak, Registrar Dr N T Rikam, Finance Officer Prof. Otem Padung, university officers, faculty members, staff, students, research scholars and well-wishers. Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Nayak lauded Dr Pandey’s commitment and significant contribution to the growth of the university library, describing his service as an enduring legacy for future library professionals. Dr Rikam appreciated his sincerity, dedication and mentorship, while Prof. Padung commended his professionalism, discipline and integrity, and wished him a healthy and fulfilling retired life. Joint Registrar Dr David Pertin, Deputy Registrars Solung Sonam and Gomar Basar, RGUEA president Nich Bapu, General Secretary E K Sonar and others also paid tributes to Dr Pandey’s contribution to the university. Students and research scholars thanked him for his guidance, support and accessibility throughout his career. Dr Pandey’s contributions to librarianship have earned him several honours, including the Indian Librarian Pride Award in 2022, recognising him among the country’s top 75 pioneering library professionals. Earlier this year, he also received the Lifetime Contribution Award in Library Science during the International Conference on Knowledge Organisation in Academic Libraries (I-KOAL), jointly organised by the Library Professional Association and RGU. The university expressed gratitude for Dr Pandey’s dedicated service and wished him good health, happiness and success in his post-retirement life.