Staff REPORTER
ITANAGAR, Sep 26: The Arunachal Pradesh government has announced a series of measures to address the education-related demands of the All Nyishi Students’ Union (ANSU), including infrastructure development in 56 identified government schools and steps to make Toru Government Engineering College functional from the 2027-28 academic session.
The decisions were taken at a coordination meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pema Khandu at the Chief Minister’s Office-2, Niti Vihar here on Saturday. The meeting was attended by the Education, Home and Health & Family Welfare Ministers, legislators from the Nyishi community, representatives of the Nyishi Elite Society (NES) and the ANSU central executive body.
ANSU president Ashok Doka presented the union’s demands, including development of 56 government schools in the Nyishi belt, functionalisation of Toru Engineering College, introduction of a government BEd programme in Keyi Panyor, establishment of a government school for Children with Special Needs (CwSN) in Pakke Kessang and concerns over utilisation of Rs 500 crore under Mission Shikshit Arunachal.
Regarding the 56 government schools, the government decided to provide financial support and undertake infrastructure development under Mission Shikshit Arunachal. The Education Department has been directed to prepare proposals after due diligence and submit them to the Planning and Investment Department.
For Toru Engineering College, the Education Department will initiate recruitment for 34 teaching and non-teaching posts and pursue the required approval from the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). Works relating to water supply and electrification will also be taken up on priority.
The government has set the target of making the institution functional in the 2027-28 academic year.
Regarding the BEd demand, the government noted that the BEd programme at Neelam Taram Government College, Yachuli, was notified on August 20. The Education Department will initiate the process for creation of posts for the programme on priority.
The government also accepted in principle the demand for a CwSN school at Pakke Kessang. A decision on taking up the proposal will be considered after assessing the functioning of the already approved CwSN school at Siji in Lower Siang.
On ANSU’s concerns regarding the utilisation of Rs 500 crore under Mission Shikshit Arunachal, the Chief Minister’s Office will send a note to the Anti-Corruption Bureau for an enquiry.
The Education Department has also been directed to finalise Standard Operating Procedures for Mission Shikshit Arunachal and place them before the Cabinet at its next meeting. A three-year implementation plan for the programme will be prepared after approval of the SOPs.
In his concluding remarks, Khandu appreciated the participants for their participation and suggestions during the meeting and stressed the importance of coordinated efforts to strengthen education infrastructure in the state.