PASIGHAT, Nov 17:Chief Minister Pema Khandu today declared open the 51^st Annual College Day celebrations of Jawaharlal Nehru College (JNC) here at the hill-top in lower campus.

The celebration opened with unfurling of college flag by the Chief Minister. This was followed by an opening song by students of JN College. A march past by NCC boys and girls cadets including students from four houses were on display. An Adi mega dance by college students was also performed.

Khandu in his speech hailed Pasighat as ‘pride of the state’ and appreciated the locals for their welcoming attitude. He also appreciated the local community’s zeal to preserve their culture and tradition.

“This is my 14^th visit to Pasighat as Chief Minister and regardless, I am always keen to visit again,” said the Chief Minister. He also said he wouldn’t want to miss such opportunities where he can have the opportunity to interact with the youths.

He said JN College has recently been re-accredited with grade A from NAAC, Bangalore and said such achievement is a matter of pride not only for Pasighat but for the entire state. The college has also been conferred with ‘College with potential for excellence’ from UGC, the only one from the state, said the Chief Minister. Khandu said since its establishment, the college has made great contribution to development of Arunachal.

The Chief Minister appreciated the Adi community for its strong decision making system that has aided greatly in successful implementation of development projects. He informed that the foundation stone for the smart city will be laid in January next year.

Lauding the establishment of a textile factory opened by former IAF pilot Mohonto Pangging, he said Pangging will be awarded for his contribution towards achieving self sustenance and contributing to the community in the coming statehood day celebration.

He said Pasighat’s potential can be gauged from the enthusiasm shown by various private players who are keen to invest here. He said after Pasighat airport has been made operational, several private companies are vying to fly here. He promised that work for a civilian terminal will be expedited and instructed the DC Pasighat to immediately sort out local issues.

Speaking on progress of education in Arunachal, the Chief Minister said the education is still far from satisfactory and said the state government in recent months have taken several steps for its improvement. He said no detention policy has been abolished and more than 1000 subject teacher posts created. He assured that by next academic session, shortage of subject teachers in schools across the state will be met.

Khandu informed that state government is also focused on youth empowerment. He said several youth oriented schemes such as Deen Dayal Upadhayay Swavalamban Yojana have been launched to help them in self-employment. The Chief Minister further appealed the youths to avail GoI scheme – MSME cluster development programme scheme under which the Centre will provide grant in aid of Rs10-15 crore for setting up small scale industries. Pasighat being an emerging industrial area, he hoped that entrepreneurs from the area will be able to take benefit from it. He also informed that an official in the rank of principal secretary has been deputed in New Delhi especially to provide necessary contacts and information regarding the scheme.

The Chief Minister further informed that to address unemployment and  to fill critical shortage of manpower in various govt departments due to creation of newer districts and upgradation of schools and administrative headquarters, the state government has created more than 5000 posts within a year. He said the recruitment to these posts will be purely on merit basis and one must forget of any back door entry.

Khandu said a historic step was taken when the divisional commissioner (west) office was made functional recently at Yachuli. He hailed former Chief Minister Mukut Mithi for the decision made in 1999 and said the decentralization of administrative powers will ease the pressure of urbanization on Itanagar.

The Chief Minister inaugurated the Ambedkar and Shashtri hostel for boys in lower campus, constructed under untied fund and SADA respectively.

The Chief Minister later visited the college administrative centre, classrooms and library in the upper campus. He promised to immediately sanction funds for construction of 3km 2-lane road to connect lower campus to upper campus.

The celebration was also attended by State BJP President Tapir Gao, Power Minister Tamiyo Taga, MP Ninong Ering, RD Minister Alo Libang, Advisor to CM Lombo Tayeng, Parliamentary Secretaries Kaling Moyong, Tatung Jamoh and other officials. 

 

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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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