State News

CHANGLANG :  Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly Speaker Tesam Pongte on Saturday asserted that government schools are “second to none” and urged parents to place greater trust in public educational institutions while addressing the TCL Academic Achievers’ Award Programme 2026 here. Organised by the Department of Tirap, Changlang and Longding (DoTCL), the programme felicitated toppers of Classes X and XII from government secondary and higher secondary schools of the three districts for their outstanding academic performance during the 2025-26 session. Citing the examples of Changlang Deputy Commissioner Vishal Sah and DoTCL Secretary-cum-Director Wayong Khimhun, both products of government schools, Pongte said quality education and success are achievable through public institutions. He also urged education authorities to regularly monitor teaching standards to further improve academic outcomes. Congratulating the awardees, the Speaker encouraged students to dream big, work hard and compete at the state and national levels. He emphasised the need to utilise DoTCL resources effectively for human resource development among TCL youth and for strengthening agriculture and horticulture sectors to support rural livelihoods. He also highlighted the vital role of parents and guardians in shaping the future of young people and stressed the importance of channelising youth potential towards constructive and nation-building activities. Earlier, DoTCL Secretary-cum-Director Wayong Khimhun highlighted the department’s initiatives and underscored the importance of recognising achievers to inspire younger generations. DoTCL Chairman Tanpho Wangnaw spoke about the department’s educational initiatives, including free coaching programmes for aspirants preparing for Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC), Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and Arunachal Pradesh Staff Selection Board (APSSB) examinations. He informed that the event marked the fourth edition of the TCL Academic Achievers’ Felicitation Programme and announced that the next edition would be hosted in Longding district. As guest of honour, Changlang South MLA Humjong Tangha congratulated the students and encouraged them to remain committed to their goals, stating that hard work remains the key to success. Changlang Deputy Commissioner Vishal Sah, in his motivational address, shared his experiences as a student and emphasised that success is built on discipline, perseverance and consistent effort. He urged students to remain focused on their aspirations and not be discouraged by temporary setbacks. During the programme, Class XII toppers received cash awards of ₹1 lakh each, while Class X toppers were presented ₹50,000 each along with certificates and mementoes. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by DoTCL Deputy Director Wangton Lowang, who highlighted the department’s ongoing initiatives, including achievers’ awards in sports and social service and free coaching programmes for educated unemployed youth preparing for competitive examinations.    

ITANAGAR : Jan Kalyan Shivirs were organised across Arunachal Pradesh on Saturday, enabling thousands of citizens to access a wide range of Central and State government welfare schemes and public services at their doorsteps. The statewide campaign, held under the theme “12 Years of Trust, Development and Public Welfare,” aims to strengthen last-mile service delivery, enhance public awareness about welfare programmes, and ensure that benefits reach eligible beneficiaries, particularly in rural and remote areas. Chief Minister Pema Khandu spearheaded the initiative by launching a Jan Kalyan Shivir at Lungla in Tawang district, where agricultural assistance and benefits under the Chief Minister Social Security Scheme (CMSSS) were distributed to beneficiaries. At Hari, the Lower Subansiri district administration conducted a comprehensive Jan Kalyan Shivir at Government Secondary School, bringing multiple government services under one roof. Modelled on the Seva Aapke Dwar initiative, the camp enabled residents to directly access welfare schemes, enrolment services and information from various departments without having to travel to government offices. The programme focused on natural farming and enrolment under key schemes, including Ayushman Bharat, Ayushman Vay Vandana, PM Surya Ghar, PM SVANidhi and Lakhpati Didi. Lower Subansiri Deputy Commissioner Oli Perme said all departments were directed to ensure active participation and responsive service delivery, while Hari Sub-Divisional Officer Hage Tarung coordinated the event on the ground. A similar Jan Kalyan Shivir was organised at the school auditorium in Yazali by the Keyi Panyor district administration. The camp facilitated on-the-spot enrolment and awareness on welfare schemes, with a special focus on natural farming, healthcare coverage, renewable energy and livelihood generation. Keyi Panyor DC Shweta Nagarkoti said the administration was committed to ensuring that no eligible citizen was left out of welfare programmes. The event was coordinated by Zilla Parishad Chairperson Nabam Piju, Likha Additional Deputy Commissioner Teji and Assistant Commissioner Mumne Borang in collaboration with line departments. Hundreds of residents availed services under schemes such as Ayushman Bharat, Ayushman Vay Vandana, PM Surya Ghar, PM SVANidhi and Lakhpati Didi. In Pasighat, a district-level Jan Kalyan Shivir with a special focus on natural farming was organised at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall. The programme aimed to create awareness on natural and integrated farming systems, soil health management, value addition, livelihood opportunities and various welfare schemes. Departments set up information and service counters to facilitate beneficiary registration, grievance redressal and dissemination of scheme-related information. Special emphasis was laid on flagship programmes such as Ayushman Bharat, Ayushman Vay Vandana Yojana, PM Surya Ghar, PM SVANidhi, Lakhpati Didi and Viksit Bharat–Guaranteed Employment and Livelihood Mission (Gramin). Departments including Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Fisheries, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA), Soil Conservation, Rural Development and Arunachal State Rural Livelihoods Mission (ArSRLM) showcased activities related to sustainable agriculture and rural livelihoods. The programme was attended by Pasighat Additional Deputy Commissioner-in-Charge DC Pebika Lego, Mebo MLA Ninong Ering, East Siang Zilla Parishad Chairperson Ruth Tabing, Zilla Parishad Members, farmers and officials from various departments. Officials said the Jan Kalyan Shivirs have emerged as an important platform for strengthening citizen-government interaction, promoting welfare awareness and ensuring effective delivery of public services across the state. A Jan Kalyan Shivir was organised at Government Upper Primary School, Gori village in Leparada district with a focus on natural farming and flagship welfare schemes, including Ayushman Bharat, Ayushman Vay Vandana, PM Surya Ghar Yojana, PM SVANidhi, Lakhpati Didi and Viksit Bharat Gram. The camp was inaugurated by Basar Zilla Parishad Member Iter Bam, who urged residents to make full use of the services and benefits being delivered at their doorstep. She also called upon government departments to strengthen awareness generation to ensure greater participation in welfare programmes. Basar MLA Nyabi Jini Dirchi, who attended the programme, emphasised the importance of natural farming in achieving self-sufficiency and food security. She advocated strengthening local production of agricultural, horticultural, poultry and fisheries products to reduce dependence on external markets, while also identifying tourism as a sector with significant potential for economic growth and livelihood generation in the district. ICAR Basar Centre Senior Scientist S.K. Pandey sensitised farmers on organic and natural farming practices, highlighting the objectives of the Kheti Bachao Abhiyan and stressing balanced fertiliser use and soil conservation for sustainable agricultural productivity. Various departments set up service counters and awareness stalls, providing on-the-spot assistance and facilitating access to government schemes. The programme was attended by Leparada Zilla Parishad Chairperson Nyamar Riba, Dari Zilla Parishad Member Karnya Bam Chiram, BJP Leparada District President Jonya Basar, officials and community representatives. The Upper Subansiri district administration conducted a Jan Kalyan Shivir at Government Secondary School, Sippi, aimed at bringing welfare schemes and public services closer to citizens. Agricultural Development Officer Jhony Yoka highlighted the importance of natural farming and explained the objectives of the outreach programme. Upper Subansiri Deputy Commissioner Tasso Gambo encouraged farmers to adopt sustainable farming practices and reiterated the administration’s commitment to ensuring last-mile delivery of government services. Daporijo MLA Tania Soki highlighted various welfare initiatives of the Government of India and stressed the need for effective implementation of schemes. He also expressed concern over the absence of some departmental heads and called for greater accountability in public outreach programmes. Various departments conducted awareness campaigns, grievance redressal activities and beneficiary registration drives, enabling a large number of citizens to access welfare services under one platform. A district-level Jan Kalyan Shivir was also organised at Unying-Aran Hall in Boleng under the aegis of the Siang district administration, with participation from 16 departments and allied agencies. Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Transport and Cooperation Minister Ojing Tasing attended the programme, which focused on bringing government services directly to citizens and raising awareness about Central and State welfare schemes. The Health Department conducted screenings for hypertension, diabetes, oral cancer and breast cancer, besides facilitating registrations under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) and Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA). A mega free eye check-up camp emerged as one of the major attractions, benefiting a large number of residents.

HAWAI :  Women and Child Development Minister Dasanglu Pul on Saturday participated in a Jan Kalyan Shivir at Metengliang, reviewed key infrastructure projects under the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP), and attended a farmers’ outreach programme promoting sustainable agriculture in Anjaw district. Addressing the Jan Kalyan Shivir at Metengliang General Ground, Pul said the initiative was aimed at delivering government services and welfare schemes directly to the people while creating awareness about various citizen-centric programmes. “Jan Kalyan Shivirs play a vital role in bridging the gap between the government and the people. They help ensure that eligible beneficiaries can access welfare schemes and services in a timely and convenient manner,” she said. Highlighting the government’s developmental achievements and transformative initiatives over the past 12 years, the minister reiterated its commitment to inclusive growth, good governance and public welfare. “Our focus remains on ensuring that development reaches every household, including those living in the remotest border areas. Good governance is meaningful only when its benefits are felt by the people on the ground,” she added. Later, Pul inspected ongoing VVP road projects under Metengliang Circle, including the Metengliang-Khoweko/Kromna Road and the Chipru-Kalabro/Hawaka Road. Reviewing the progress of work, she directed the executing agencies to maintain quality standards and ensure timely completion of the projects. “These roads are vital for improving connectivity and enhancing the quality of life in our border villages. Timely completion with the highest standards of quality must be ensured,” she said. Officials informed that the projects are expected to strengthen rural infrastructure, improve accessibility and contribute to the socio-economic development of remote border communities. The minister also attended the Khet Bachao Abhiyan programme organised by the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Anjaw, at Khupa, where she interacted with farmers and encouraged them to adopt modern, climate-resilient and sustainable agricultural practices. The programme focused on soil health conservation, balanced fertilisation and natural farming. It also witnessed the virtual release of the 23rd instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Emphasising the importance of sustainable agriculture, Pul said farmers are the backbone of the rural economy and that the adoption of scientific and climate-resilient farming practices would enhance productivity, improve incomes and ensure long-term food security. She appreciated KVK Anjaw, officials and participating farmers for their efforts in promoting sustainable agriculture and strengthening rural livelihoods in the district.    

ITANAGAR : The Foundation Day of West Bengal was celebrated with cultural fervour at Lok Bhavan here on Saturday, with Governor Lt Gen KT Parnaik (Retd) leading the celebrations that showcased the state’s rich cultural heritage, artistic traditions and historical legacy. Addressing the gathering, the Governor highlighted West Bengal’s immense contribution to India’s freedom movement, social reforms, literary renaissance and cultural awakening. He said the state has produced some of the nation’s most influential thinkers, reformers, writers, artists and educationists, whose contributions continue to inspire generations. Parnaik noted that Bengal’s tradition of intellectual pursuit, creativity and social consciousness has played a significant role in shaping modern India. He also appreciated the contributions of the Bengali community towards the socio-economic development and cultural enrichment of Arunachal Pradesh, particularly in the fields of education, healthcare, administration, business and public service. The Governor further acknowledged the longstanding service of the Ramakrishna Mission in Arunachal Pradesh, especially in education, healthcare and social welfare. He said the Mission’s institutions have nurtured generations of students and provided quality services in remote areas, complementing the state’s developmental efforts. A special highlight of the programme was the screening of a video message from West Bengal Governor RN Ravi, who conveyed his greetings and best wishes on the occasion. The cultural segment featured a series of performances reflecting Bengal’s rich artistic traditions. The programme began with Rabindra Sangeet performances by Pushpita Bhattacharjee and Prabash Paul, followed by a Bengali group dance by students of Hornbill English School. A Gorkha (Magar) group dance showcased the cultural diversity associated with the region, while a folk-fusion musical performance by Rup Joti Mukherjee, Mridula Roy and Jaydeep Biswas blended traditional and contemporary musical elements. In keeping with the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’, Arunachali student Techi Ajum presented a Rabindra Nritya, highlighting Bengal’s enduring artistic legacy. The cultural programme concluded with a Bengali folk dance by students of Nrityangan Dance and Music Academy. Students of Abotani Vidya Niketan, Pachin attended the celebration as special guests of the Governor, reflecting the importance of exposing young minds to the country’s diverse cultural traditions and fostering national integration. The celebrations concluded with a high tea hosted by the Governor and First Lady Anagha Parnaik for members of the Bengali community, participating artists, students and officials, providing an opportunity for interaction and cultural exchange.      

Mingkeng Osik PASIGHAT : A three-day training, demonstration and input distribution programme on “Promotion of Pulses in the North Eastern Hill (NEH) Region” commenced at the College of Agriculture, Pasighat, on Friday with the participation of farmers, agricultural scientists, researchers and local representatives. The programme, being held from June 20 to 22, is sponsored by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research–Indian Institute of Pulses Research (ICAR-IIPR), Kanpur, under its NEH component and is being organised by the College of Agriculture, Pasighat. Addressing the inaugural session, College of Agriculture Dean Dr Sanjay Swamy highlighted the vast potential for pulse cultivation in Arunachal Pradesh, stating that the state’s agro-climatic conditions are well suited for increasing pulse production and contributing significantly to the country’s overall output. He urged farmers to make optimum use of the programme and expand pulse cultivation, describing pulses as a highly nutritious crop with immense health benefits and adaptability to diverse climatic conditions. Dr Swamy said the institution is working to ensure that quality pulse seeds and improved technologies reach farmers across the state, thereby reducing dependence on supplies from outside Arunachal Pradesh. Increased pulse production, he added, would strengthen both the state’s agricultural sector and the economy of the Northeast region. Explaining the objectives of the programme, College of Agriculture Assistant Professor Dr Senpon Ngomle encouraged participants to take full advantage of the scientific knowledge and practical training being provided. He elaborated on modern cultivation methods, crop management practices and the role of pulses in sustainable agriculture. Dr Ngomle also highlighted the importance of pulse production in achieving the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and spoke about innovative pulse-based rice cultivation and cropping systems that can improve farm productivity. As part of the initiative, quality pulse seeds and other agricultural inputs were distributed to participating farmers to promote wider adoption of pulse cultivation practices. Among the participants were farmers from Kangku Circle in Lower Siang district, who expressed appreciation to their Zilla Parishad Member (ZPM) for facilitating their participation in the programme. They also thanked the faculty members, scientists and trainers of the College of Agriculture for their efforts in empowering farmers through technical knowledge and practical support. The programme is expected to enhance awareness of pulse cultivation, improve agricultural productivity, strengthen nutritional security and create sustainable livelihood opportunities for farmers across the region.