State News

ITANAGAR : More than 100 students and Army personnel participated in a special yoga session organised by the Spearhead Division of the Indian Army in collaboration with North Eastern Frontier Technical University (NEFTU) at Aalo in West Siang district. The yoga session was a part of the week-long celebrations leading up to International Yoga Day, a defence statement said. The hour-long session brought together university students and soldiers in a joint effort to promote physical fitness, mental well-being and holistic health. Participants practised various yoga postures, breathing exercises and wellness techniques aimed at enhancing flexibility, concentration, emotional balance and overall fitness. The programme also highlighted yoga as an effective tool for cultivating a healthy lifestyle, self-discipline and inner resilience. Held amid the picturesque surroundings of the Siyom Valley, the event reflected the Indian Army’s continued commitment to youth engagement, wellness awareness and strengthening military-civil relations. It also reinforced the message of harmony, unity and collective well-being that lies at the heart of International Yoga Day. Participants appreciated the initiative, noting that it helped strengthen the bond between the Indian Army and the youth of Arunachal Pradesh while promoting the values of fitness, discipline and positive living. (Source: PTI)

KHONSA : The Department of School Education, Tirap, in collaboration with the district administration, organised the second felicitation programme for district-level top three students from Classes III to XII for the 2024-25 academic session under the Golden Jubilee Meritorious Students’ Award at the Circuit House Community Hall here on Friday. Tirap Additional Deputy Commissioner Namneet Singh attended the programme as the chief guest, while retired Deomali Higher Secondary School principal Nyampo Matey Lowang was the guest of honour. The dignitaries felicitated 30 meritorious students who secured the top three positions in their respective classes at the district level with cash awards, certificates and mementoes. Addressing the gathering, Singh congratulated the awardees and their parents, describing success as a continuous journey rather than a destination. He encouraged the students to treat the recognition as a stepping stone towards greater achievements and meaningful contributions to society. Observing that district toppers often emerge from only a few schools, he urged all institutions, particularly government schools, to strive for academic excellence. Noting that nearly 80 per cent of the awardees were girls, he encouraged boys to work harder and compete positively. Sharing his own experience, he said perseverance and determination had enabled him to clear one of the country’s toughest competitive examinations despite being an average student, and urged students to remain focused on their goals. In her address, Lowang highlighted the crucial role of parents in shaping the success of their children. She advised students to maintain a positive outlook, face challenges with courage and resilience, and remain optimistic in pursuing their aspirations. Tirap Deputy Director of School Education and organising chairperson KC Lowangcha said the Golden Jubilee Meritorious Students’ Award was instituted to promote healthy academic competition and motivate students to realise their full potential. She expressed confidence that the awardees would continue to bring laurels to the district and the state. Under the scheme, a total cash incentive of ₹8.40 lakh was distributed among the 30 awardees. The highest incentives of ₹50,000, ₹40,000 and ₹30,000 were awarded to the first, second and third position holders of Classes X and XII respectively. The district-level first position holders honoured during the programme were Khampai Wangsa (Class III), Ruwmang Lowang (Class IV), Berme Dada (Class V), Pobu Moinyak (Class VI), Ponya Pansa (Class VII), Ayang Lego (Class VIII), Lovely Limbu (Class IX), Ashia Tarh (Class X), Chewang Akhang (Class XI) and Teaphang Khoisia (Class XII). The programme concluded with the distribution of awards and a group photograph of the awardees, dignitaries and officials.

Staff Reporter ITANAGAR : The United Arunachal People’s Forum (UAPF) has submitted a three-point memorandum to Chief Minister Pema Khandu, seeking immediate intervention on issues concerning the Smart Prepaid Meter System, de-reservation of forest land in the Itanagar Capital Region (ICR), and an investigation into alleged financial irregularities in a road construction project in Kra-Daadi district. Addressing a press conference at the Arunachal Press Club on Friday, UAPF president Khyoda Daniel said the memorandum was submitted in the interest of safeguarding indigenous rights and ensuring transparency and accountability in governance. He warned that if the government fails to address the demands within 14 days of receiving the memorandum, the forum would launch a democratic agitation until its demands are met. On the issue of electricity, the forum demanded the immediate withdrawal of the Smart Prepaid Meter System and restoration of the conventional postpaid billing mechanism. It also sought free electricity up to 1,000 units per month for domestic consumers in the state. Daniel said that despite Arunachal Pradesh being known for its vast hydropower potential, residents continue to bear high electricity costs. He maintained that the people of the state should directly benefit from its abundant natural resources. He further alleged that the prepaid metering system has adversely affected economically weaker sections, daily wage earners, pensioners, and rural residents. According to him, the system has led to frequent power disconnections due to insufficient balance, additional recharge-related charges, and inconvenience for elderly citizens and people living in remote areas with limited access to digital payment facilities. The forum, therefore, urged the government to formulate a special power subsidy policy for economically weaker sections and ensure that the benefits generated from hydropower projects are shared with the people of the state. The second demand pertains to the early de-reservation or rationalisation of forest boundaries within the Capital Complex and adjoining areas. Daniel stated that large portions of the present-day ICR were brought under the Durpang Reserved Forest and Wildlife Sanctuary in 1979 under the Assam Forest Regulation, 1891, when Arunachal Pradesh was still a Union Territory. He claimed that the reserved forest status has created hurdles in obtaining Land Possession Certificates (LPCs), land allotments, building permissions, and bank loans. He also pointed out that several development projects, including roads, schools, hospitals, government offices, and water supply schemes, often face delays due to forest clearance requirements. Additionally, he said that many indigenous villages and settlements were included within reserved forest areas without adequate consultation and called for the regularisation of traditional land holdings. In its third demand, the UAPF sought an immediate investigation into the alleged misuse and misappropriation of more than Rs 121 crore in public funds related to the construction of the Dari–Chambang road project in Kra-Daadi district. UAPF general secretary Dangu Mama alleged that while the actual road length between Dari and Chambang is around 26 kilometres, funds were reportedly withdrawn for the construction of a 38-40 kilometre stretch by the executing agency and the concerned department. The forum urged the state government to initiate a thorough inquiry and take stringent action against all those found responsible for the alleged misappropriation of funds. “We appeal to the state government to take immediate action on all three issues within 14 days, as these matters are directly linked to public welfare, development, and accountability in governance,” Mama said.    

ITANAGAR : The Upper Subansiri-Kamle District Boundary Affected Peoples’ Forum (USKDBAPF) urged the state government to take immediate steps for the physical demarcation of the boundary between Upper Subansiri and Kamle districts to ensure a permanent resolution of the long-standing dispute. Addressing a press conference here on Friday, USKDBAPF chairman Dose Dasi Tamin welcomed the re-notification issued by the Home Department of the Government of Arunachal Pradesh on May 29, 2026, which clarified the earlier boundary notification issued on May 27, 2020. Tamin said the re-notification was issued following complaints and concerns raised by various sections of the public. He noted that the clarification had helped ease tensions and temporarily resolve the boundary issue, while appealing to the people to maintain peace and harmony. However, he stated that a permanent solution could only be achieved through the physical demarcation of the boundary on the ground. “The dispute has been temporarily resolved through the re-notification, but a lasting solution will come only when the boundary between Upper Subansiri and Kamle districts is physically demarcated,” he said. The forum appealed to the state government to constitute a fact-finding committee to conduct a field visit to the disputed areas and carry out the demarcation process, thereby preventing future boundary-related disputes between residents of the two districts. Tamin also requested the government to ensure that the boundary is demarcated at least five kilometres away from the Sigin River so that settlers who have been residing in the area for decades are not adversely affected. Appealing for calm, he urged the people of both districts to resolve differences through dialogue and mutual understanding, emphasizing that peaceful discussions remain the best way to address the issue.      

ITANAGAR : The Arunachal Pradesh government on Friday stressed the need for greater convergence among departments and directed that identified potential ‘Lakhpati Didis’ be given priority under relevant state and centrally sponsored schemes to help rural women achieve sustainable annual incomes of Rs 1 lakh or more. The directive was issued during a meeting of the state-level steering committee on the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ initiative, chaired by rural development and panchayati raj secretary Sonal Swaroop at the Arunachal State Rural Livelihoods Mission (ArSRLM) office here. Swaroop also asked all departments to submit reports on benefits extended to self-help group (SHG) members under various ‘Atmanirbhar’ schemes during the last two financial years. The reports will help assess the contribution of these schemes towards achieving the objectives of the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ initiative, she said. Swaroop emphasised the need to strengthen inter-departmental coordination to maximise livelihood opportunities and enhance the incomes of SHG members. The meeting was attended by representatives of various departments and key stakeholders, including officials from the agriculture, skill development and horticulture departments, Arunachal Pradesh Agriculture Marketing Board (APAMB), ArSRLM and the veterinary department, officials said. ‘Lakhpati Didi’ is a flagship initiative of the Centre and the state government aimed at enabling women associated with SHGs under the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) to achieve a sustainable annual household income of Rs 1 lakh or more. The programme promotes livelihood diversification, entrepreneurship development, skill enhancement, financial inclusion and convergence with government schemes to improve the socio-economic condition of rural households. During the meeting, representatives of various departments outlined schemes and interventions that could benefit identified potential ‘Lakhpati Didis’. The committee also deliberated on assessing the skill requirements of beneficiaries to facilitate targeted capacity-building programmes. Departments were asked to compile and share relevant data during upcoming district-level steering committee meetings to be chaired by the respective deputy commissioners. Chief executive officer of APAMB highlighted several market linkage initiatives being implemented by the board, including Mission Arun Himveer, and informed the committee about opportunities available under the programme. He also requested ArSRLM to facilitate the engagement of potential ‘Lakhpati Didis’ to strengthen market access and income-generation opportunities for SHG members. The meeting concluded with all departments reaffirming their commitment to work in close coordination to achieve the goals of the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ initiative and accelerate the socio-economic empowerment of rural women across the state. (Source: PTI)  

ITANAGAR : Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Friday said India has undergone a remarkable transformation under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership over the past 12 years, emerging as a global leader in technology, innovation, diplomacy and humanitarian outreach. In a series of posts on X, he highlighted the country’s achievements under the Modi government. “Over the past 12 years, under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has transformed from a technology importer to a nation building its own chips, drones, and advanced defence systems,” the chief minister said. He said the ‘Made in India’ initiative has evolved into a symbol of national confidence and self-reliance. “Made in India is no longer just a label, it is a symbol of national pride and the confidence of a New India,” the chief minister remarked. Khandu further asserted that India’s growing technological capabilities, manufacturing strength and innovation-driven development have helped position the country among the world’s emerging economic and strategic powers. He also highlighted India’s expanding global influence and diplomatic stature. “India has emerged as a trusted global partner, championing the Global South, driving green energy and semiconductor growth, and delivering solutions that matter to the world,” the chief minister said. “A stronger India is contributing to a stronger world.” Khandu observed that India’s leadership role has become increasingly visible through its initiatives in clean energy, digital transformation, infrastructure development and international cooperation. He said the country’s efforts to represent the concerns of developing nations have further strengthened its standing in global forums. Referring to India’s growing international recognition, Khandu said, “Over the past 12 years, India has earned global respect through decisive leadership, humanitarian outreach, and a steadfast commitment to national interest.” Citing examples of India’s expanding global footprint, Khandu pointed to the country’s successful G20 Presidency, global rescue operations and the Vaccine Maitri initiative. “From the G20 Presidency to global rescue missions and Vaccine Maitri, India continues to lead with responsibility and confidence,” the chief minister added. (Source: PTI)