State News

Staff Reporter ITANAGAR : The Joint Action Committee (JAC) has submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), demanding immediate and time-bound action in connection with two alleged multi-crore financial irregularity cases linked to the Fisheries Department and the Palin Treasury, while expressing concern over delays in investigation and prosecution. Addressing a press conference at the Arunachal Press Club on Friday, JAC issue chairman Takam Chacha voiced dissatisfaction over what he described as the slow pace of action despite the registration of First Information Reports (FIRs) and ongoing investigations. He called for a fair, transparent and time-bound probe into the cases. According to the JAC, one of the cases relates to alleged financial irregularities in the Fisheries Department during the period from 2012-13 to 2016-17. Citing FIR No. 01/2018 registered by the Special Investigation Cell (Vigilance), Itanagar, Chacha alleged that while the government had sanctioned Rs 16.37 crore, an additional Rs 35 crore was allegedly withdrawn, resulting in expenditure exceeding Rs 51.38 crore. The committee also referred to FIR No. 18/2024, registered following findings of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), concerning the alleged withdrawal of Rs 183.13 crore from the Palin Treasury during the 2023-24 financial year without budgetary provision, administrative approval or expenditure authorisation. The JAC further alleged that the fisheries-related case involved the creation of “ghost ponds” and non-existent fisheries projects through which public funds were allegedly diverted. It claimed that several fish ponds and allied infrastructure projects shown as completed in official records either do not exist on the ground or remain incomplete despite the release of government funds. According to the committee, preliminary findings and public complaints indicate large-scale misuse of funds under fisheries development schemes, depriving genuine beneficiaries of the intended benefits. Questioning the delay in custodial interrogation, prosecution, filing of charge sheets and recovery of allegedly misappropriated public funds, Chacha sought clarity on the progress made by the investigating agencies. He also raised concerns over whether all individuals named in the cases had been investigated impartially and whether assets linked to the alleged offences had been identified or frozen. The memorandum urged the state government and the Special Investigation Cell/Anti-Corruption Bureau (SIC/ACB) to expedite investigations and ensure accountability. The committee demanded immediate suspension of officials found prima facie involved, tracing and freezing of assets and bank accounts linked to the alleged offences subject to due legal process, investigation of the money trail, recovery of public funds, expeditious filing of charge sheets and publication of an Action Taken Report (ATR) within seven days. The JAC has served a seven-day ultimatum to the government to address the issues raised in the memorandum and initiate appropriate action. Chacha warned that failure to respond within the stipulated period could compel the organisation to launch peaceful and democratic public movements in accordance with the law. The committee reiterated that it would continue to pursue the matter through lawful and democratic means in the interest of transparency, accountability and protection of public funds. No official response was available from the Fisheries Department or the state government at the time of filing this report.    

PASIGHAT :  The Lummer Dai Literary Award–2026 was celebrated with literary fervour at Indira Gandhi Government Higher Secondary School, Pasighat, bringing together writers, scholars, students and literature enthusiasts to honour the legacy of renowned litterateur Lummer Dai and promote the rich literary heritage of Arunachal Pradesh. The highlight of the programme was the conferment of the prestigious Lummer Dai Literary Award–2026 on Tony Koyu in recognition of his significant contributions to literature and society. Accepting the award, Koyu expressed gratitude for the honour and reaffirmed his commitment to the promotion of literature, culture and intellectual discourse. Former Chief Minister Mukut Mithi, who attended the event as chief guest, underscored the transformative role of literature in preserving indigenous knowledge systems, strengthening cultural identity and fostering a progressive society. Pasighat West MLA Ninong Ering, the guest of honour, lauded the efforts of the Arunachal Pradesh Literary Society (APLS) in nurturing literary talent and providing platforms for creative expression. The programme began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by the dignitaries, APLS office-bearers and the awardee, symbolising the pursuit of knowledge and enlightenment through literature. The event also featured Assamese and Hindi poetry recitations, reflecting the cultural diversity and literary richness of the region. Speakers highlighted Lummer Dai’s invaluable contributions towards the growth of indigenous literature and his enduring influence on generations of writers across the state. On the occasion, literary personalities and contributors Dr N Lego, Arak Megu, Maliyang Perme, Mading Pertin and Ato Lego were felicitated for their contributions to the promotion of literature and preservation of cultural heritage. In their welcome and keynote addresses, APLS leaders emphasised the importance of documenting oral traditions, encouraging young writers and safeguarding the linguistic heritage of Arunachal Pradesh in an increasingly globalised world. The event served as a celebration of literature, culture and indigenous identity, reaffirming the enduring role of the written word in connecting the past, present and future of Arunachal Pradesh. (DIPR)      

GUWAHATI : Fisheries Minister Gabriel D Wangsu showcased the state’s vast fisheries and aquaculture potential at Aquaex Northeast 2026, one of the region’s largest fisheries and aquaculture expos, which commenced at the Maniram Dewan Trade Centre in Guwahati on Friday. The two-day event was inaugurated by Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Prof SP Singh Baghel and attended by Assam Fisheries Minister Nirmala Devi, policymakers, scientists, industry leaders, investors, entrepreneurs and fish farmers from across the country. Addressing the inaugural session, Prof. Baghel highlighted the remarkable growth of India’s fisheries sector over the past decade, stating that fish production has nearly doubled from about 95 lakh tonnes to 198 lakh tonnes, making India the world’s second-largest fish producer and a global leader in aquaculture. He described fisheries as a key pillar of the country’s Blue Economy, supporting the livelihoods of nearly three crore people and contributing significantly to economic growth and nutrition security. The Union Minister noted that despite global trade challenges, India’s fisheries exports have continued to grow, recording a nearly 16 per cent increase in volume and an 18 per cent rise in value. He also underscored the strategic importance of the Northeast, citing its abundant water resources and favourable ecological conditions. He informed that fisheries projects worth ₹1,776 crore have been sanctioned for Assam under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), alongside investments in infrastructure, cold-chain development and Integrated Aqua Parks. Speaking as Guest of Honour, Wangsu projected Arunachal Pradesh as one of the country’s most promising frontiers for fisheries development and investment. He credited flagship schemes such as PMMSY and the Atma Nirbhar Matsya Palan Yojana for driving growth in the sector and noted that the state’s hatchery infrastructure has expanded from nine to 16 units, significantly strengthening fish seed production capacity. Highlighting Arunachal Pradesh’s strengths, Wangsu said the state has emerged as a leading destination for cold-water fisheries, particularly trout farming, which is creating sustainable livelihood opportunities in remote and border areas. He stressed the need for improved cold-chain infrastructure, branding support, organised marketing systems and export linkages to help fish farmers secure better returns. The Minister also outlined the state’s vision of developing an integrated fisheries value chain encompassing hatcheries, fish seed production, feed manufacturing, processing facilities, cold storage, transportation, value addition and export-oriented enterprises. He further highlighted opportunities in reservoir fisheries, ornamental fisheries, recreational angling, eco-tourism and Integrated Aqua Parks. Inviting investors and entrepreneurs to explore opportunities in Arunachal Pradesh, Wangsu said the state’s strategic location, improving connectivity and supportive policy environment make it an attractive destination for fisheries and aquaculture investments. The Department of Fisheries, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, also participated in the expo through an exhibition stall showcasing the state’s fisheries achievements, trout farming success stories and investment opportunities. The conclave featured technical sessions on aquaculture technologies, fish health management, seed production, value addition, processing, marketing, export opportunities and sustainable fisheries practices, with experts sharing insights on emerging trends shaping the sector. Later, Wangsu visited the ICAR-Central Plantation Crops Research Institute Research Centre and the Horticultural Research Station of Assam Agricultural University at Kahikuchi to assess the prospects of cocoa and black pepper cultivation in Arunachal Pradesh. The visit focused on studying the crops’ commercial viability, value-addition potential, market opportunities and profitability for farmers. Among those present at the inaugural session were Assam Fisheries Department Secretary Manvendra Pratap Singh, former Fisheries Secretary Tarun Shridhar, Assam Fisheries Director Gauri Shankar Das, National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj–North Eastern Regional Centre Director Dr. Murugesan Ramasamy, ICAR Research Complex for North Eastern Hill Region Director Dr. Kadirvel Govindasamy, National Fisheries Development Board representative Dr. Deepa Suman, Aquaex Chairman Venu Dantuluri and Convener Rajnish Kumar.      

ITANAGAR : The Itanagar Municipal Corporation (IMC) on Friday conducted a social service and cleanliness drive at IG Park, removing and disposing of several truckloads of accumulated waste from different parts of the park. Participating in the programme, Urban Affairs Minister Balo Raja appealed to citizens to actively contribute towards maintaining a clean and hygienic environment. He said the IMC regularly undertakes cleanliness drives not only to improve sanitation but also to create public awareness about the importance of cleanliness and environmental responsibility. “Living in a clean and green environment promotes good health and helps prevent various diseases. We must also encourage our children to adopt cleanliness as a way of life,” the minister said. Raja lauded the efforts of the IMC team led by Mayor Tamme Phassang and Deputy Mayor Biri Basang for their commitment towards improving sanitation and maintaining cleanliness in the capital region. Highlighting ongoing environmental initiatives, the minister referred to the river rejuvenation programme being implemented across the state and noted that it has witnessed encouraging public participation in places including Itanagar and Ziro. He stressed that community involvement remains essential for the success of such initiatives. Raja further informed that proposals have been submitted to the Finance Commission for development of public amenities, including construction of public toilets and related facilities. He said the government has proposed establishment of such facilities along the Banderdewa-Hollongi corridor covering Nirjuli, Naharlagun and Itanagar, and assured that the matter would be pursued with Chief Minister Pema Khandu for early implementation. The minister also stated that the cleanliness drive formed part of programmes being organised to mark 11 years of the state government’s governance under the leadership of Chief Minister Pema Khandu and 12 years of the Central Government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He called upon citizens to work collectively for public welfare and the continued development of the state. Itanagar Deputy Commissioner Toko Babu, IMC Commissioner Kego Jilen, corporators, ward members, social workers, community leaders, IMC staff and residents participated in the cleanliness drive.      

DAPORIJO :  In a significant step towards developing a sustainable waste management system for Daporijo township, the Upper Subansiri district administration organised a stakeholders’ consultation meeting at the TCS Heritage Building Conference Hall on Friday. The meeting brought together elected representatives, government officials, heads of departments, educational institutions, community-based organisations, market associations, security forces, social organisations and other stakeholders to deliberate on the formulation of a long-term Solid Waste Management Policy for the township. Resource persons from Further & Beyond Foundation conducted technical sessions on sustainable waste management practices, waste segregation, recycling systems, circular economy concepts and successful community-driven models implemented in other regions. A key highlight of the programme was a presentation by Dulle Pai, who shared his experiences in transforming waste management practices in Ziro through community participation and institutional collaboration. He outlined how sustained awareness campaigns, grassroots initiatives and stakeholder engagement helped transform Ziro into a recognised model for cleanliness and sustainable waste management. Pai emphasised that community ownership, active citizen participation and coordinated support from government agencies were critical to the success of the initiative. He expressed confidence that Daporijo could achieve similar success through collective commitment and consistent implementation. The consultation also focused on identifying local challenges, defining stakeholder responsibilities and developing a practical roadmap for effective waste management in the township. Addressing the gathering, Daporijo MLA Taniya Soki lauded the initiative and assured full support for its implementation. He stressed that environmental sustainability is a shared responsibility and called upon all sections of society to actively participate in keeping Daporijo clean and environmentally sustainable. Highlighting the importance of waste segregation, the MLA advocated the principle of “Segregation at Source”, stating that effective waste management begins at households, institutions, markets and commercial establishments. He urged citizens to separate biodegradable, recyclable and non-recyclable waste at the point of generation to ensure efficient waste processing and disposal. He further noted that the success of the proposed policy would depend on sustained public awareness, active community participation and collective ownership of the initiative. The consultation concluded with a collective pledge by stakeholders to work together towards transforming Daporijo into a model township for sustainable waste management and environmental stewardship.      

YINGKIONG : A newly constructed Input Storage Godown was inaugurated at Katan in Upper Siang district on Friday by former Agriculture Director Balung Mengu in the presence of farmers, panchayat representatives and government officials. Addressing the gathering, Mengu encouraged farmers to continue contributing to agricultural development and urged the public to safeguard government assets for the benefit of the community. Speaking on the occasion, Yingkiong District Agriculture Officer (DAO) Dana Moyong highlighted the poor condition of the previous storage facility, which necessitated the construction of a new godown. He also appealed to the public to extend cooperation to government officials for effective implementation of agricultural programmes. The inaugural programme was attended by Katan Zilla Parishad Member (ZPM) Pilot Panggeng, former ZPM Kait Ejing, Water Resources Department Junior Engineer Tong Panyang and other stakeholders. Geku Agriculture Development Officer (ADO) Lency Tangu delivered the welcome address, while Senior Agriculture Field Assistant Totom Ejing proposed the vote of thanks. The new facility is expected to strengthen agricultural support services in the district by enabling advance storage of essential farm inputs such as seeds, fertilisers, agricultural equipment and machinery. The godown will facilitate timely distribution of inputs to farmers during the cultivation season, particularly in view of weather-related road connectivity challenges in the region.