State News

YAZALI : Arunachal Pradesh Agriculture and Allied Departments Minister Gabriel D Wangsu on Thursday said Arunachal Pradesh has the potential to emerge as a national model for sustainable and community-driven development, while inaugurating the two-day Arunachal Pradesh Jaiv Vividhata and Mvm Liid Soonam/Beej Utsav 2026 at Government Higher Secondary School, Yazali in Keyi Panyor district. The programme, which also included a stakeholder consultation on biohappiness and climate resilience, was jointly organised by the 16th Yachuli MLA Office, Krishi Vigyan Kendra Keyi Panyor, Arunachal State Rural Livelihoods Mission and the M S Swaminathan Research Foundation, Chennai. Addressing farmers, scientists, researchers, policymakers and indigenous community representatives from across the state, Wangsu said the answers to sustainable development already exist within Arunachal Pradesh’s traditional knowledge systems and farming practices. “The world is searching for sustainable models of development, and the answers already exist in Arunachal Pradesh,” he said. Highlighting the growing impact of climate change on agriculture, the Minister said erratic rainfall, shorter winters and increasing floods are adversely affecting farmers and rural communities. He stressed that indigenous rice varieties and traditional crops preserved by local farmers over generations are naturally adapted to local ecosystems and are crucial for future food security and climate resilience. “Losing these traditional crops would not only be a cultural loss, but also a serious threat to our future food security and resilience,” he said. Calling for collective action, Wangsu said biodiversity conservation and climate resilience cannot be achieved through government efforts alone. “Community participation is the key because no government alone can protect biodiversity, and no scientist alone can conserve seeds,” he remarked, urging villages, panchayat institutions, youth groups and farming communities to actively participate in conservation initiatives. The Minister also welcomed increasing awareness on the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act and appreciated efforts to secure intellectual property rights protection for 12 indigenous paddy varieties from Lower Subansiri district. Describing quality seeds as the foundation of agricultural transformation, Wangsu stressed the need to strengthen seed villages, community seed banks, local seed certification systems, cold storage infrastructure and farmer-led seed production systems across the state. He further highlighted the role of women in preserving agrobiodiversity, describing them as the “true custodians of biodiversity” in tribal communities. Encouraging greater youth participation in agriculture, Wangsu urged young people to view the sector as a modern and innovative profession linked to sustainability, entrepreneurship, food processing, eco-tourism and digital marketing. “Our young people must see agriculture not as a last option, but as a meaningful profession that connects livelihood with sustainability,” he said. Reaffirming the commitment of the state government under Chief Minister Pema Khandu, the Minister said the state is working closely with premier institutions and stakeholders to promote climate resilience and sustainable development suited to the ecological conditions of the Northeast. A major attraction of the programme was the Arunachal Seed Festival and Agrobiodiversity and Sustainable Livelihoods Exhibition, where community seed conservers, particularly from the Nyishi and Apatani communities, showcased indigenous crop varieties, traditional farming practices and biodiversity-based livelihood models. The inaugural programme was attended by 16th Yachuli MLA Toko Tatung, M S Swaminathan Research Foundation Chairperson Dr Soumya Swaminathan, architect Rajeev Sethi, Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority Guwahati Dr Atul Chandra Sharma, Keyi Panyor Deputy Commissioner Shweta Nagarkoti Mehta, M S Swaminathan Research Foundation Biodiversity Programme Director Dr E D Israel Oliver King, representatives from NABARD, Rajiv Gandhi University, Indian Council of Agricultural Research institutions and farmers from different districts.

BOLENG : Union Minister of State for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Labour and Employment Shobha Karandlaje on Thursday reviewed ongoing developmental activities and public service delivery in Siang district during a visit to Boleng and Pangin circle. The Minister chaired a review meeting at the Conference Hall of Circuit House, Boleng, in the presence of Siang Deputy Commissioner Tayi Taggu, administrative officers, heads of departments and officials from the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Labour Departments. During the meeting, the district administration presented an overview of Siang district, highlighting key developmental initiatives and proposed interventions. Addressing the officials, Karandlaje offered suggestions aimed at strengthening developmental activities and improving delivery of public services across the district. Following the meeting, the Minister inspected several ongoing projects and beneficiary-oriented schemes in Boleng, including a brick fabrication unit functioning under the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana, a Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) beneficiary housing unit and the District Hospital at Boleng. Karandlaje later visited Moli and Moruk villages under Pangin circle, where she was received by villagers, Panchayati Raj Institution leaders and district officials. During the visit, she inspected Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Rural) beneficiary houses, Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act works, an open-air gym and water tank infrastructure developed under the Jal Jeevan Mission. The Union Minister also interacted with beneficiaries and villagers and reviewed the implementation of various developmental programmes in the area, reaffirming the Centre’s commitment to grassroots development and public welfare. (DIPR)

ZIRO : A high-level delegation from the National Commission for Women (NCW), New Delhi, led by Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar, visited Ziro on Thursday to review women’s empowerment, safety, digital inclusion and welfare initiatives in Lower Subansiri district. The visiting delegation was accorded the status of State Guests by the Government of Arunachal Pradesh. The visit was coordinated by the Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Women (APSCW) under the leadership of its Chairperson Yalem Taga Burang. The day began with a review of the Yashoda AI initiative at Kalung Panchayat Hall. The programme focuses on the use of technology-driven solutions to address challenges faced by mothers and frontline workers. The delegation also attended the She Serve programme at the same venue, which aimed at encouraging women’s leadership in public service and community governance. Later, the team visited Hari Government Secondary School Community Hall, where members interacted with village elders, women and local residents during an awareness session on various central and state government welfare schemes implemented through the health and livelihood sectors. The visit concluded with a review meeting at the District Secretariat, Ziro, where NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar and the delegation held discussions with senior administrative and police officials of Lower Subansiri district. The meeting reviewed issues related to law and order, women’s safety and the handling of legal cases concerning women, with emphasis on ensuring a secure environment and effective delivery of welfare initiatives in the district. (DIPR)

YINGKIONG : An interaction-cum-focused group discussion (FGD) on polygamy and its impact on women’s mental health was organised at the office of the Arunachal Pradesh Women’s Welfare Society (APWWS), Upper Siang district unit, Yingkiong on Thursday. The programme witnessed active participation and deliberations on the social, psychological and cultural dimensions of polygamy and women’s welfare. Speaking as the facilitator, Fakir Mohan University Assistant Professor Moti Pangkam shared her academic interest in studying issues related to polygamy, particularly its impact on women’s mental health. She also highlighted the important role of the media in amplifying women’s voices and addressing social issues affecting them. Addressing the gathering, APWWS Upper Siang district unit President Kasimang Jopir Pazing said the organisation has been actively conducting awareness campaigns on legal literacy, women’s rights, skill development, education and anti-drug initiatives. She stated that creating awareness on issues related to polygamy has become one of the organisation’s top priorities and informed that APWWS would soon organise dedicated awareness programmes on the issue. DIPRO-cum-In-charge Publicity of APWWS Yalik Jerang stressed the importance of proper upbringing and empowerment of the girl child through quality education and financial independence. She also emphasised the need to educate young and vulnerable girls about the consequences of polygamy and said education, coupled with a positive mindset, is essential for bringing meaningful and transformational social change. (DIPR)                    

BASAR : Local MLA Nyabi Jini Dirchi on Wednesday stressed the importance of maintaining quality in execution of developmental projects while chairing the monthly District Level Monitoring Committee (DLMC) meeting jointly with Leparada Deputy Commissioner Himani Meena at the DC Conference Hall, Basar. The meeting reviewed the implementation status of centrally sponsored schemes, flagship programmes and ongoing developmental projects across the district, including sanctioned, completed and under-construction works. Special focus was laid on infrastructure projects such as the New District Headquarters near Bam and the Central Divisional Commissioner Office at Pagi. Heads of Departments presented updates on departmental activities and project implementation through PowerPoint presentations, following which the chair reviewed progress and issued necessary directions for effective execution and timely completion of works. Highlighting concerns over the poor condition of the Akajan-Likabali-Bam Road, MLA Nyabi Jini Dirchi urged the executing authority to immediately undertake repair and maintenance works, particularly under Packages II and III within Leparada district. Describing the road as a “lifeline” for the people of the district, the MLA stressed the urgency of restoration works. The executing authority informed the meeting that maintenance works in the affected stretches would be taken up within one month. The MLA further directed all executing departments to share master plans of major infrastructure projects with district authorities prior to commencement of work to ensure proper scrutiny, planning and execution. She categorically stated that quality of work should not be compromised under any circumstances and stressed the need for due diligence in implementation of all developmental projects. Emphasising self-reliance and local economic growth, the MLA said agriculture, horticulture, fisheries and allied sectors should be actively promoted to strengthen self-sufficiency and generate livelihood opportunities for local entrepreneurs and farmers. Reviewing welfare schemes, Leparada DC Himani Meena expressed concern over the high pendency of applications under schemes such as Deen Dayal Swavalamban Yojana, Atma Nirbhar Krishi Yojana and Atma Nirbhar Bagwani Yojana at the bank level. She directed concerned departments to designate nodal officers for regular monitoring of pending applications and ensure close coordination with banks and beneficiaries for timely disbursement of loans and subsidies. The DC also appreciated the initiatives of the Arunachal State Rural Livelihoods Mission in promoting women empowerment through Self-Help Groups and directed the District Mission Manager to establish an emporium in Basar township for marketing local handicrafts and indigenous products. During the meeting, departments were instructed to ensure that existing public infrastructure is not damaged during execution of new developmental works, particularly during earth-cutting activities. The meeting also reviewed sanitation issues in market areas, and the Executive Engineer of Urban Development and Housing was directed to initiate action against non-compliant shopkeepers under the Solid Waste Management Rules. The MLA further informed that a Special Surgery Camp is tentatively scheduled to be held at Todak Basar District Hospital on June 22, 2026, under the supervision of renowned surgeon Dr Moji Jini, former Director of Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Sciences, along with surgeons from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi. (DIPR)

TEZU : The District Consultative Committee (DCC) and District Level Review Committee (DLRC) meetings of Lohit district for the quarters ending December 2025 and March 2026 were held at the Conference Hall of the District Civil Secretariat, Tezu on Thursday. The meeting was chaired by Lohit Deputy Commissioner Kesang Ngurup Damo in the presence of NABARD Assistant General Manager (District Development) Kamal Roy, Lohit Lead District Manager Ojing Taboh, branch managers of various banks and officials from line departments. During the meeting, Damo formally launched the Annual Credit Plan (ACP) for Lohit district for the financial year 2026-27. The ACP has been prepared based on the Potential Linked Credit Plan (PLP) developed by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD). Addressing the meeting, NABARD Assistant General Manager Kamal Roy informed that the total credit potential under the priority sector for 2026-27 has been assessed at Rs 80.65 crore, including Rs 40.57 crore earmarked for the agriculture and allied sector. He said the PLP serves as a roadmap for banks to facilitate credit flow to priority sectors and forms the basis for preparation of the district’s ACP. Lohit Lead District Manager Ojing Taboh presented the district’s banking performance through a PowerPoint presentation. The committee reviewed key banking indicators, including the Credit-Deposit Ratio, priority sector lending, implementation of Atmanirbhar schemes under Agriculture and Allied Departments, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Swavalamban Yojana, Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana, social security schemes and Self Help Group-bank linkage programmes. During the deliberations, Roy stressed the need for enhanced credit flow to agriculture, allied activities and other priority sectors. He also highlighted the importance of financial literacy programmes and discussed opportunities under the Agri-Clinics and Agri-Business Centres Scheme. In his concluding remarks, DC Damo stressed the importance of close coordination among banks and line departments for achieving developmental goals. He advised banks to ensure timely processing of loan proposals and called for effective implementation of government-sponsored schemes and state flagship programmes to improve the economic condition of rural households.