Itanagar, Aug 16: The 74th Independence Day was observed all across Arunachal Pradesh with fervour on Saturday outsmarting the fear factor due to the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic. Maintenance of social distancing and observation of all Covid-19 SOPs were the marked features of celebrations.
Raj Bhavan
Governor Brig. (Dr.) B.D. Mishra (Retd.) hoisted the national flag at Raj Bhavan and offered salute to it while the Echo Company of the 33rd Battalion of ITBP Detachment attached to Raj Bhavan presented the Guard of Honour to the tricolour.
Speaking on the occasion, the Governor extended Independence Day greetings to the state’s people and fellow citizens of the nation. On behalf of the people of the state, he conveyed appreciation to the armed and paramilitary forces, State Police for contributing towards ensuring safety of individuals and security, unity and integrity of the nation and called upon the people to cooperate with the armed forces and the administration to uphold the hard-earned freedom. While reminding them of their fundamental duties, he advised them to promote the local economy for overall growth and development by reiterating Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Vocal for Local’ appeal.
The Governor also appealed to the state’s people to strive forward with transparency, accountability, continuity, audit and review for mid-course correction and perfection. First Lady of the State Neelam Misra, special invitees comprising Covid-19 frontline warriors such as medical officials and police personnel and officials of Raj Bhavan participated in celebration adhering to SOPs.
The Governor commended the state’s Covid-19 frontline warriors and said it is due to their hard work and dedication the state is successfully countering the pandemic.
IG Park
Participating in the celebrations here, Chief Minister Pema Khandu in his address while remembering the sacrifices made by freedom fighters and people during the struggle for independence, paid gratitude to the silent contributions by people from all walks of life and profession who have helped in enriching the hard-earned freedom.
“The day also belongs to the armed, paramilitary forces, state police personnel, air and naval defenders and border guards who have valiantly and successfully defended the nation’s pride and honour of all these years,” he said, also acknowledging the contributions of all the former Chief Ministers of the state namely PK Thungon, Late Tomo Riba, Gegong Apang, Mukut Mithi, late Dorjee Khandu, Late Jarbom Gamlin, Nabam Tuki and Late Kalikho Pul. 
Arunachal Pradesh today has reached the stage, where well informed citizens are engaged in active intellectual discourse about the state’s history and the challenges to be faced in coming times, Khandu said in his speech. “I am very happy that a few days from now, all the seniors of our state representing our tribes will meet in the true spirit of brotherhood to discuss how our rich culture, traditions and customs can be preserved while charting our destiny towards a developed Arunachal Pradesh for generations to come. The inter-tribe brotherhood, camaraderie and bonhomie which our people share is exemplary and needs to be cherished,” he affirmed. .
Elaborating on the efforts taken by the state government to take Arunachal on the path of progress, the Chief Minister said efforts are on to institutionalize a new work culture of transparency and accountability and in creating an ecosystem of enterprise to attract investment in the state. Launching of the Hamara Arunachal Abhiyaan which has given way to involvement of all stakeholders in the processes of governance while maintaining focus on ensuring the development in terms of infrastructure and generating employment is an epitome of team spirit and camaraderie, he added.
Reiterating the state government’s commitment to focus on agriculture/horticulture as core sectors, the Chief Minister assured an uninterrupted endeavour to improve economic condition of the state’s people through creation of employment opportunities and making the business environment favourable for attracting investment. Taking about the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic, he said that India under the decisive leadership of the Prime Minister has been able to effectively tackle its spread and has one of the lowest mortality rates in the world. Giving an assessment of the state’s Covid scenario, he said without active support from all stakeholders including frontline workers, CBOs, student associations, volunteers in villages and towns, an effective control mechanism would not have been possible. Making a special mention of rural Arunachal’s contribution in combating the pandemic, he mentioned the exemplary role played by Mirem Village in East Siang district that has also received PM’s appreciation.

In terms of utilization of the lockdown period in strengthening the state’s health infrastructure, the CM gave an elaborate account of the facilities added during the period including creation of ICUs in district hospitals along with posting of specialists doctors, arrangement of lifesaving ventilators and necessary testing facilities such as RT-PCR, RAT etc. The decision to convert MLA apartments into Covid hospital was a major decision, he stated. Talking about the concept of ‘compulsory institutional quarantine’, he said it has been a part of the state’s tribal practice of managing epidemics since time immemorial which is now being emulated by the rest of the country. “We have equipped all the districts with True Nat Machines and Rapid Antigen Test Kits and as a result, we have the lowest COVID positivity rate in the entire North East and rank within top 6 nationally in terms of tests per million population,” he informed. To bring further improvement in the state’s public health infrastructure, CM said that upgradation of 17district hospitals with an outlay of Rs.350 Crore is in the offing for which tenders will be floated very shortly and thanked all the MLAs who have decided to contribute from the MLALAD fund for fighting COVID-19. 
While speaking on the Atma Nirbhar Bharat vision, he stated that Arunachal has geared up to participate in the efforts and underscored the state’s commitment to realize the ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative by giving preferential treatment to the local artisans and handicraft units in government procurements. “We have provided fund for procurement of raw materials for imparting training and set up a revolving fund in the Textile and Handicrafts department for purchase and sale of products,” he added, also mentioning the target to cover at least 3000 artisans under the Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries (SFURTI) by forming 50 clusters and infusing at least Rs. 100 crore.
Detailing on state government’s initiative in boosting agriculture and allied sectors, the Chief Minister attributed the 10.4% growth from 2.38 lakhs MT in 2018-19 to 2.28 lakhs MT during 2019-20 in food grain production to the schemes such as National Food Security Mission (NFSM-Rice), RKVY, Chief Minister’s Sashakt Kisan Yojana and other CSS programmes. “In our endeavour to achieve doubling of farmers’ income by 2022 and raise contribution of agriculture sector to national GDP, we are investing heavily in agriculture and allied sector,” he asserted, also mentioning the two ambitious schemes launched this year-Nutritional Kitchen Garden Scheme and Agriculture/Horticulture Farm Cluster Scheme. To usher in food self-reliance in deficit districts such as Tirap, Longding, Upper Siang, KurungKumey, Kra Daadi, East Kameng and Changlang, 800 hectares of land has been brought under the Land Terracing Programme, he informed.
The Chief Minister also elaborated on the stress given to the sectors such as Animal Husbandry & Veterinary, Fisheries, Food and Civil Supplies etc. While reiterating the state’s target to ensure delivery of food security entitlements to all beneficiaries covered under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) 2013 by implementing the nation-wide portability of ration cards under the ‘One Nation One Ration Card’ programme, he announced that it has been successfully operationalized on a pilot basis in the aspirational district of Namsai from the I-Day and we will be replicated in all districts by the year end.
The CM’s speech also highlighted the state’s progress made in the vital sectors such as power, infrastructure, information technology & communication, education, urban development and public health & water supply, skill development, tourism, sports and youth affairs, disaster management etc. While mentioning the ambitious project of providing all-weather connectivity under PMGSY to 1824 rural habitations with an estimated cost of Rs 9797.77 crore, till July 2020, 1174 habitations are being successfully connected.
Regarding law and order, the CM assured that the state government is giving top priority in its maintenance by strengthening the police in terms of resources and making efforts towards active participation of all stakeholders viz. CBOs, student organisations, local and PR leaders and common people. Speaking about law and justice delivery, he mentioned the state’s initiative to separate Judiciary from the Executive to be carried out in a phased manner. Steps undertaken for the welfare of women and children, social justice & empowerment and tribal affairs also featured in his speech.
Clearing his standpoint regarding transparency in recruitment, the CM while appreciating the APPSC for declaring the APPSCCE 2017 results on time, assured the state’s youths that no stone will be left unturned in dealing with corruption in recruitment. He also spoke about the “Arunachal Pradesh Entrepreneurship Challenge Programme,” and a book released titled ‘Arunachal Scheme Handbook: Towards an Informed Beneficiary Base’ which contains information about all beneficiary-oriented schemes being implemented by various departments in Arunachal Pradesh.
Conveying his appreciation for all stakeholders fighting the pandemic, CM also conveyed heartfelt condolences to those families who have lost their near and dear ones in the pandemic, unprecedented floods and landslides triggered by incessant rains during the last few months.
Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar announced the names of State Awardees. Assembly Speaker, Local MLA, MP and a host of other distinguished guests attended the programme.
West Siang
The 74th Independence Day was celebrated with much enthusiasm at the General Ground of GHSS Aalo where MLA Aalo East Kento Jini unfurled the flag amid ceremonial salute from the contingents.
Speaking on the occasion, the MLA while highlighting the developmental initiatives disclosed that thrust will now be on education to improve the education scenario in the district. He gave away the Commendation Certificates to officials of the district, Covid-19 warriors, meritorious students and Red Coats to the newly appointed GBs. The MLA accompanied by Deputy Commissioner, DMO Dr Moli Riba visited the Drug De-addiction and Rehabilitation Centre run by Mothers’ Vision at Hiker Gumin on the day and interacted with the inmates undergoing treatment and motivated them to return to the mainstream.  
Namsai
Namsai district observed the day through the launch of ‘One Nation One Ration Card’ scheme which was unveiled by ADC S Mining at the district headquarter at Namsai in presence of public leaders and government officials.
Papum Pare
The 74th Independence Day celebrated in a befitting manner while strictly observing SOP of COVID-19 at DC offices premises, Yupia today.
MLA 14-Doimukh Tana Hali Tara attended the function as chief guest and unfurled the tricolour amidst the presence of Deputy Commissioner Pige Ligu, Superintendent of Police Jimmy Chiram, HoDs, officers, staff and awardees. He hailed the District Administration for successfully implementation of PMGKY during the pandemic. Speaking on Atma Nirbhar Bharat and Vocal for the Local goal, he appealed to the district’s people to avail the benefits under the schemes. Later, he felicitated the COVID-19 workers, best sanitary worker under SBM, best handloom weaver Award 2019-20, Gram Preraks, Creative Assistant and winners of Essay and Slogan writing Competition on the theme ‘Communal Harmony and Drug Addiction’ under Arunachal Rising Campaign programme. Three plantation drives were also organized by the Forest department near the DC office.
At Doimukh, SDO Doimukh Sabodam Tayang unfurled the tricolour amid the presence of HoDs, staff, Police, GBs and Market Committee members. At Kimin, ADC Likha Tejji unfurled the tricolour and felicitated the COVID-19 workers. At Sagalee, MLA 15-Sagalee and former CM Nabam Tuki attended as chief guest and unfurled the national flag and launched the Nutritional Kitchen garden scheme and distributed seeds to the farmer beneficiaries.
12 BN NDRF Doimukh observed the day at battalion campus, Coy & Team locations.
On the occasion Commanding Officer, Arun Deogam hoisted the national flag which was followed by national anthem. The CO paid tribute to the martyrs and appreciated the work done by the Covid frontline warriors. Medals were presented to the personnel of the battalion for their meritorious services.
Tirap
Along with rest of the state, the 74th Independence Day was celebrated in all Administrative Headquarters of Tirap district including Khonsa HQ, Deomali ADC H/Q, Lazu EAC HQ, Soha CHQ, Borduria CHQ, Dadam CHQ, Bari-Basip CHQ, by maintaining all SOPs and social distancing.
In Khonsa HQ – 55-Khonsa East MLA Wanglam Sawin unfurled the national tricolour in presence of Tirap DC Bhanu Prabha.
The MLA urged the people of Tirap all to adopt Cluster farming and Kitchen Garden in their respective compound and surrounding and praised all frontline Covid-19 warriors of the district for working 24x7 to combat Covid-19 and appealed the youths of the district to refrain from drug addiction and other unlawful activities to make Tirap a peaceful district. 
West Kameng
The 74th I-Day was celebrated with restrictions and regulations at district headquarters Bomdila.
‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Campaign’ was launched by the MLA cum Chief Guest Dongru Siongju, MLA Phurpa Tsering, DC Karma Leki and SP Raja Bhantia on the occasion. Earlier, unfurling the tricolour and paying homage to the freedom fighters, MLA Dongru Siongju called for a total ban on use of plastic and community involvement in protection of the environment and advocated for prioritizing education and health sectors in the district.
CBSE toppers, Best state Handicrafts Artisan and progressive farmers were felicitated on the occasion. Token distribution of seeds for nutritional kitchen garden to selected beneficiaries also marked the day. Display of exhibition stalls by the various departments including SSB and NDRF and presentation of patriotic songs and dances were also parts of the celebrations.
Dibang Valley
In Anini the day was observed following all SOP guidelines graced by MLA Dibang Valley Mopi Mihu and DC Minga Serpa participated by HoDs, GBs and common people.
The “Nasha Mukt Bharat Campaign” and the “Vocal for Local’’ scheme under “Atma Nirbhar Bharat” was officially launched. DC distributed masks made by 11 SHGs on the occasion. The District Administration felicitated the selected government employees for their contribution towards the welfare of the district and the frontline warriors engaged in prevention of the pandemic in the district. The Nutritional Kitchen Garden programme was also launched by distributing incentives agricultural tools and seeds to the district’s progressive farmers.
Upper Siang
The 74th I-Day was celebrated at General Ground, Yingkiong in a befitting manner following all SOPs.
MLA, 40-Mariyang-Geku AC Er. Kanggong Taku unfurled the national tricolour amidst a sizeable gathering of HoDs, Police personnel, general public and business community. In his speech Taku highlighted the various completed and ongoing infrastructure and developmental activities under various departments in the district and emphasized on focusing and improving the tourism sector in the district.
Later, he felicitated to the Covid warriors, best teachers, toppers of Class-V, Class-VIII, Class-X, Class-XII (SC), Class-XII(Hum), Class-XII(Com) and issued appointment letter and Red Coat to Oyiti Siboh, Gaon Buri and launched the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.
The Independence Day was also celebrated in Tuting, Singa, Gelling, Migging, Palling, Jengging, Katan, Geku, Mariyang and Mopom.
Tawang
Along with the rest of the state the day was observed following all SOPs in all the administrative outposts and the district headquarters of the district.
MLA Tawang Tsering Tashi hoisted the national flag at district headquarters while MLA Lungla Jambey Tashi hoisted the national flag at Lungla headquarters. He conveyed his gratitude to Ven. HE Thegtse Rinpoche, Ven. Gyabong Rinpoche and all the Monks and nuns for their constant support and prayers for protection of whole sentient beings from the coronavirus. He appealed to maintain peace and requested the youths not to get attracted towards drug addiction and other anti-social activities.
Later MLA Tawang, DC, SP and Padmashree Awardee Lama Thupten Phuntsok felicitated the CBSE toppers, frontline COVID-19 workers and the award winners of the weeklong GANDAGI MUKT BHARAT online essay and other competitions. MLA Tawang also distributed agricultural tool kits and seed packets under the Nutritional Kitchen Garden Programme.
Lower Dibang Valley
The 74th Independence Day was celebrated at the General Ground, Roing in a simple ceremony with the unfurling of the national flag by MLA Mutchu Mithi in the presence of Deputy Commissioner Mitali Namchoom, Superintendent of Police S. K. Sain, CJM Tailang Laji, ADC Tapik Pertin, Heads of Departments, Gaon Burahs and invitees.
East Siang
Pasighat joined the nation in celebrating the 74th Independence Day on Saturday in a befitting manner and enthusiasm. East Siang District Deputy Commissioner Dr. Kinny Singh unfurled the national at the Siang Guest House compound. Pasighat East MLA Kaling Moyong, DIGP Isaac Pertin, SP Rajiv Ranjan Singh, 5th IRBn Commandant Esha Pandey, ADC (Hq) Tatdo Borang, host senior officers and leaders were also present on the occasion, maintaining social distancing.
To mark the occasion, “AYANG” donated a unit of AB+ blood to a patient from Siang district who was to go through an emergency operation.
Kamle
The day was celebrated at Raga with pomp maintaining all SOPs along with. MLA, 25-Raga AC Tarin Dakp attended the function as Chief Guest and the national flag was unfurled by him in the General Ground in Raga. DC Hengo Basar, SP Sumit Jha, hosts of HoDs, officers, officials, teachers, students, GBs and publics attended the function.
The MLA and DC flagged off 2 ambulances for the Medical Department of the district on the occasion and informed that the Trans Arunachal Highway (TAH) has been sanctioned in 9 packages and that construction work in the district from Pamluk to Sigen Bridge will start soon. He also informed that the government has prepared the DPR for the East-West Corridor which will connect Pasighat to Balemu and act as an economic corridor and usher industrial development in the region.
Changlang
As a part of the occasion, the national tricolour was hoisted at the Changlang General ground by Deputy Speaker Tesam Pongte amidst a gathering of government officials, public leaders & students while strictly following SOPs.
Field activities like salute & band display by 9-Assam Rifles & APP marked the day.  The Deputy Speaker acknowledged the noble services to humanity being rendered by the frontline workers and all officials led by the District Administration in tackling the pandemic. Besides the celebrations at the district headquarters, the tricolour was unfurled by the UD & Civil Supplies Minister Kamlung Mossang at Miao, MLA Laisam Simai at Jairampur, MLA Samlung Mossang at Bordumsa and MLA Phosum Kimhun at Khimiyang.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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