Itanagar, Jan 29: Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Thursday reiterated that Arunachal Pradesh University (APU), the state’s first state-owned university, remains a top priority for the Government of Arunachal Pradesh, assuring sustained support for infrastructure expansion, academic growth and institutional strengthening.
Inaugurating the 3rd edition of the Arunachal Pradesh University Festival (APUFEST) 2026 at its Pasighat campus, the Chief Minister said although the Arunachal University Act was passed in 2012, the institution remained dormant for several years. He said the present government revived the university from scratch with focused planning on location, infrastructure and functionality.
He said that the university became operational in 2022 with the inauguration of its administrative block, followed by the appointment of its first Vice Chancellor, Prof Tomo Riba. Academic sessions commenced the same year, and the first batch of students has already graduated, with the convocation presided over by the Governor, who is also the Chancellor of the university.
Complimenting Vice Chancellor Prof Tomo Riba, Registrar Narmi Darang, and the faculty and staff, the Chief Minister said building an institution from the ground up is challenging, but APU has made significant progress within just three years. He expressed satisfaction over the pace of infrastructure development, noting that the campus is nearing completion, which would enable the university to scale up academically.
Referring to a memorandum submitted by the student fraternity and suggestions put forward by the Vice Chancellor, Khandu assured that all genuine requirements and shortcomings would be addressed. He said infrastructure development would continue to be prioritised and entrusted personal responsibility to the Education Minister to take the university forward.
With the Chief Secretary, Education Commissioner and senior officials present, the Chief Minister said the timing was appropriate as the state budget is approaching, assuring that identified gaps would be reflected in upcoming budget provisions.
Highlighting the need for land expansion, Khandu said the university was initially planned on around 100 acres, which may be insufficient for future growth. He urged local MLAs, district administration and community leaders to facilitate land expansion, stating that limited space would restrict infrastructure and academic development. As the state’s first university, he said, APU must have “unlimited scope” for growth.
The Chief Minister also called for a review and reorientation of the university’s master plan in consultation with professional architectural firms, aiming to develop a campus capable of attracting foreign students. He emphasised the need to strengthen both infrastructure and faculty quality.
He directed the Education Commissioner to immediately assess faculty and staff shortages and move proposals for necessary appointments through the Cabinet in a time-bound manner.
Speaking on education reforms, Khandu said Arunachal Pradesh is undergoing major transformation in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which will be fully implemented by 2030. He said around 700 unviable schools have been rationalised or closed to address issues of poor planning and quality.
He informed that APU currently has 11 academic departments and offers PhD programmes in Commerce, Economics, Education, Social Work and Travel Studies, adding that the government has made substantial investments and would continue to do so. Sports infrastructure development at the campus will also be taken up, with budgetary provisions planned.
Referring to Viksit Bharat 2047, the Chief Minister said today’s students would play a decisive role in nation-building. He urged youth to pursue diverse careers in public service, entrepreneurship, agriculture and other sectors, noting that discussions are underway for student and faculty exchange programmes with Japan.
Earlier, Khandu inaugurated the newly constructed Academic Block ‘A’ at the university campus.
Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, Law & Justice Minister Kento Jini, legislators, district administration officials and university faculty and officials were present, among others.