Itanagar, Oct 3: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Friday inaugurated the newly-constructed Administrative Training Institute (ATI) complex at Naharlagun, marking a major milestone in strengthening capacity building and governance reforms in the state.
The new facilities include a G+4 Administrative and Academic Block and a G+6 Hostel Block, each built at a cost of Rs 20 crore. Spread across 5,347 sq mtrs, the state-of-the-art infrastructure will serve as the nerve centre for training and skill enhancement of government officers and employees.
Speaking on the occasion, Khandu recalled his first visit to ATI in 2017, when he witnessed the inadequacies of the old campus and had assured modern infrastructure. “This is not just about opening new buildings but reaffirming our commitment to build a responsive, efficient, and professional governance system in Arunachal Pradesh,” he said.
The Chief Minister acknowledged the unique challenges of governance in the state due to its difficult terrain, dispersed habitations, and cultural diversity. “To meet these challenges, we require not just administrators, but visionary leaders who are empathetic, innovative, and committed to transparency, accountability, and service to the people. Institutions like ATI are the crucibles where such officers are shaped,” he added.
Khandu emphasised the importance of continuous training and capacity building for newly recruited Arunachal Pradesh Civil Service (APCS) officers as well as other employees.
He expressed hope that the 140 officers recruited through the APPSCCE 2024–25 batch, who will begin a four-month induction training at the new ATI facility from October 6, will benefit from the enhanced learning environment.
He further assured that adequate manpower for the Institute would be provided soon, noting that four full-time faculty members had already been inducted.
Highlighting governance reforms, Khandu cited the establishment of the Arunachal Pradesh Staff Selection Board (APSSB), overhauling of the Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC), and the formation of the State Commission for Reforms, which is currently rationalising manpower across departments.
He further informed that a major reform is under process to rationalize manpower in all government departments, directorates and in the districts. “The newly constituted State Commission for Reforms is undertaking a rigorous exercise in this regard and hopefully it will be completed within two years,” he said.
Congratulating the Department of Administrative Reforms & Training, ATI, PWD, and all stakeholders, Khandu expressed optimism that the new facilities would create an ambience conducive to nurturing a cadre of competent, ethical, and people-centric officers.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by Itanagar MLA Techi Kaso, State Commission for Reforms Member Hento Karga, Chief Secretary Manish Kumar Gupta, Finance Commissioner YW Ringu, and Administrative Reforms & Training Secretary Ira Singhal, officials of PWD, ATI Director Patey Marik, and faculty members.