| Staff REPORTER |
Itanagar, Jan 10: A new chapter in local self-governance began across Arunachal Pradesh on Saturday with the successful election of Zilla Parishad Chairpersons (ZPCs) across districts, marking the formal commencement of the new term of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and reinforcing democratic decentralisation in the State.
Following the recently concluded Panchayat elections, district headquarters witnessed the constitution of Zilla Parishads, election of ZPCs and Gram Panchayat Chairpersons, and administration of oaths to newly elected representatives. The process reflected strong democratic participation and the smooth functioning of grassroots institutions.
In Papum Pare district, the ZPC election was held at the Zilla Parishad Hall, Yupia. Bamang Yayu, Zilla Parishad Member from III–Kimin representing the People’s Party of Arunachal (PPA), was elected Chairperson after a draw of lots against Tang Yado, ZPM from I–Borum representing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). With BJP holding eight seats, PPA six, and the Indian National Congress two, both sides were locked in a tie, necessitating the draw. The election was conducted under the supervision of ADC-cum-District Panchayat Development Officer (DPDO) Tame Yajum in the presence of elected representatives and observers. Doimukh MLA Nabam Vivek and Itanagar MLA Techi Kaso witnessed the proceedings.
In Lower Subansiri district, Hibu Dumi, ZPM from 11-Niichii constituency representing the BJP, was elected Zilla Parishad Chairperson at a meeting held at the District Secretariat, Ziro. The BJP secured a clear majority by winning 11 of the 14 Zilla Parishad seats, while the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the People’s Party of Arunachal (PPA) won two and one seats respectively. District officials congratulated the new leadership and expressed confidence that the Zilla Parishad would work collectively for people-centric development.
In Tawang district, the newly elected Zilla Parishad Members re-elected Leki Gombu from Jang Thingbu Block as ZPC for a second consecutive term during the first official meeting of the ZPMs and Gram Panchayat representatives at the Kalawangpo Convention Hall. The meeting was attended by MLA Tsering Lhamu, district officials, and public leaders. In-charge Deputy Commissioner Rinchin Leta administered the oath of office to the ZPMs and ZPC, while Jang ADC Hakraso Kri administered the oath to the Gram Panchayat Chairpersons. A total of 308 Gram Panchayat Members took their oaths from their respective Member Secretaries.
In Lohit district, the first meeting-cum-election of the 13th Zilla Parishad was held at Amik Ringya, Tezu, where Basanlu Dellang, ZPM from 3–Wakro, was unanimously elected Chairperson. Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Election Officer (PR) Kesang Ngurup Damo administered the oath of office to the newly elected ZPMs and emphasized close coordination between elected bodies and the district administration for inclusive growth and holistic development. SDO-cum-DPDO Sotailum Bellai urged members to remain proactive and responsive, stressing that effective grassroots governance requires continuous engagement with the people. The meeting was attended by DySP Maga Tago, former ZPM Balong Tindya, heads of departments, and representatives of political parties.
In Namsai district, the election of the Zilla Parishad Chairperson and all Gram Panchayat Chairpersons was completed successfully as per prescribed norms. Chau Sujana Namchoom was elected Zilla Parishad Chairperson. Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein congratulated her, stating that the mandate reflected the trust of the people of 4-Namsai and the strong collective leadership of the Bharatiya Janata Party.
In Dibang Valley district, Sadhu Mihu, BJP ZPM from Etalin–Maliney Block, was elected unopposed as Zilla Parishad Chairperson. The first meeting of the Zilla Parishad was held at the DC’s Conference Hall, Anini, where the selection and election of 21 Gram Panchayat Chairpersons were also conducted. Deputy Commissioner Bekir Nyorak administered the oath of office to the members and urged them to work collectively for the welfare of the people, assuring full support from the district administration. The process was conducted under the supervision of DPDO-cum-Member Secretary and SDO (Anini) Lijum Ete. Dibang Valley has four ZPMs and 71 Gram Panchayat Members.
In Siang district, the first meeting-cum-election of the newly constituted Zilla Parishad and Gram Panchayats was held at Boleng in accordance with the Arunachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj Act and notifications of the State Election Commission. During the meeting, Tamat Tatak was elected Zilla Parishad Chairperson, along with the election of Gram Panchayat Chairpersons. The proceedings included oath-taking, nominations, elections, and declaration of results, marking the formal commencement of the new PRI term in the district.
Across districts, oath-taking ceremonies of ZPMs, ZPCs, and Gram Panchayat Chairpersons were conducted by Deputy Commissioners, Additional Deputy Commissioners, and designated officers, signifying the formal assumption of office by newly elected bodies. Simultaneously, elections to hundreds of Gram Panchayat Constituencies were completed, strengthening the Panchayati Raj system in the State.
Elected leaders and officials emphasized transparency, accountability, people’s participation, and effective implementation of development and welfare schemes. The peaceful conduct of elections and smooth transition of leadership reflect the growing maturity of democratic institutions in Arunachal Pradesh.
With Zilla Parishads now in place across districts, the State enters a renewed phase of decentralized governance aimed at empowering local communities, improving service delivery, and accelerating grassroots development in line with the vision of a self-reliant and participatory democracy.
KHONSA: The first meeting of the Zilla Parishad was conducted today at the DC’s conference hall here involving all Zilla Parishad Members, during which the election of the Zilla Parishad Chairperson (ZPC) was successfully held.
Similarly, the first meetings of the Gram Panchayats were conducted simultaneously with the participation of all GPMs, during which the elections of the Gram Panchayat Chairpersons (GPCs) were carried out under the supervision of the concerned member secretaries.
The oath of office was administered to ZPMs and ZPC by ADC-cum-DPDO-cum-member secretary 15-Tirap Zilla Parishad, Namneet Singh. Similarly, oath of office was administered to all GPMs and GPCs by the respective member secretaries.
Later, Tirap Deputy Commissioner Liyi Bagra congratulated the newly elected ZPC John KK Matey along with all newly elected ZPMs, GPCs, and GPMs.
The DC briefed the newly elected ZPC, ZPMs, GPCs, and GPMs on their roles and responsibilities and urged them to work collectively for the welfare of the people and the holistic development of Tirap district. He further advised the members to familiarize themselves thoroughly with the relevant guidelines governing Panchayati Raj Institutions, and assured them of full cooperation and guidance from the district administration, including all concerned officers and HoDs.
YINGKIONG: Along with the rest of the State, the first meeting of the Zilla Parishad Members (ZPMs) of the 9th Upper Siang Zilla Parishad was held today at the DC’s office conference hall here.
At the outset, Deputy Commissioner-cum-Presiding Officer Talo Jerang administered the oath of office to all 10 newly elected ZPMs. Api Kombo, ZPM-1 from Yingkiong Zilla Parishad constituency, being the lone candidate to file nomination for the post of ZPC, was declared elected unopposed.
Kombo, who hails from Gobuk village, has become the 5th Zilla Parishad Chairperson of Upper Siang district and the second woman to be elected to this prestigious position.
Later in the day, an introductory meeting of the newly elected ZPC and ZPMs was held at the DC’s Bungalow here. The meeting was attended by local MLA and Advisor to Chief Minister, Alo Libang along with HoDs.
Addressing the newly elected ZP leaders, the MLA congratulated them for their new role and journey as active grassroots leaders. He further requested the DC for first-hand training for the newly elected ZPMs so that they are adequately equipped and well-trained to discharge their responsibilities effectively.
Exhorting the PRIs leaders, he stated that sincere and dedicated performance of their duties would not only ensure public satisfaction but also enhance the reputation of the district. He further emphasized that despite differences in political affiliations, all stakeholders must work collectively with a shared objective for the overall development of the district and the welfare of its people.
The DC also congratulated the newly elected ZPC and ZPMs, and urged them to work in the larger interest of the people and the district as a whole.
Emphasizing the importance of keeping pace with the present technological scenario, the DC encouraged them to adopt innovative solutions that would have meaningful impacts on peace and overall progress of the district.
On behalf of the Upper Siang District Health Society, Dr Ahik Miyu briefly sensitized the newly elected PRIs under the district-level sensitization programme on the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme and sought their active participation. He also explained the concept of Nikshay Mitra and appealed to the newly elected leaders to come forward to support and assist needy TB patients.
Simultaneously, the first meeting-cum-election of Gram Panchayat Chairpersons of Upper Siang district was conducted at the Tourist Lodge auditorium here, in which seven GPCs from various Gram Panchayat constituencies of the district were declared elected.
YACHULI: The election for the post of Chairperson, 27-Keyi Panyor Zilla Parishad was successfully conducted here today.
The election was attended by all six Zilla Parishad Members. Upon completion of the voting process, Nabam Piju, ZPM from 01-Pitapool Zilla Parishad constituency, received the majority support and was duly declared elected as the ZPC of Keyi Panyor district.
The proceedings were conducted smoothly and peacefully under the supervision of the presiding officer. (DIPROs)