The Dawnlit POST, Riba Mansion, Itanagar (2025)

14/05/2025

ITANAGAR S*X RACKET CASE

All 26 accused get bail as victims turn hostile

Itanagar, May 13: The high-profile s*x trafficking case in Arunachal Pradesh’s capital, Itanagar — involving minor girls and a network of accused including doctors, engineers and police personnel — has suffered a major setback as all five victims have turned hostile during trial proceedings.

As a consequence, 26 out of the 28 chargesheeted accused in the case have secured bail.

The victims, who hail from economically disadvantaged families in Assam, were trafficked to Itanagar between 2020 and 2023. Initially, they gave consistent statements to the police and magistrate shortly after the FIR was registered.

However, those testimonies were later retracted in court, reportedly due to indirect influence allegedly exerted through their parents.

Officials closely tracking the case said the victims’ statements remained intact while they were in institutional care with restricted external contact.

The situation, however, changed after the High Court granted visitation rights to their parents. Although permitted to visit only on alternate days, the parents reportedly showed up almost daily, citing various pretexts. Eventually, the High Court and later a sessions court allowed the girls to be released into custody of their parents.

“From the start, there were apprehensions that the accused — some of whom are influential — were trying to reach the victims through their parents. That seems to be exactly what happened,” a senior official told NewsFy, adding that it was unlikely the families could have pursued legal permissions up to the High Court on their own.

“When their children needed them the most and were in trauma no one came to visit them or even call them once. But suddenly they (parents) were active and even managed to hire a lawyer(s) and reach out to the High Court. Going by their financial background they were in no condition to do that,” the official said.

Questions are now also being raised about the role of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), which is under fire for not acting decisively to protect the victims, considering their vulnerable socio-economic status and interstate origin.

NCPCR consultant Anuj Saluja told NewsFy that the Commission had written to various authorities — including the Itanagar SP, the Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (APSCPCR), the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), and the Chief Secretary — recommending that the girls be relocated to Assam.

However, when contacted, none of these offices confirmed receiving any such letter.

When asked for a copy of the communication, Saluja said, “I had a word with my other officials, and they asked me not to give it to you.”

In a related development, on April 4, 2025, NCPCR member Preeti Bharadwaj Dalal wrote to Chief Secretary Manish Gupta, reminding him about a comprehensive report the Commission had requested in 2024, which remains pending.

The letter also sought a status update on the case. As of now, there is no confirmation of any response from the chief secretary’s office.

Responding to the developments, CWC chairperson Taba Zim told NewsFy that they had received no official directive from the NCPCR regarding relocation.

“We didn’t receive any letter about relocating the girls to Assam. They were under our care in a shelter home because statements and cross-examinations were still pending. Moving them to an Assam shelter would have made these legal processes extremely difficult,” Zim said.

“We tried our level best to prevent them from becoming hostile. But once the court granted visitation and later allowed their release, we had to comply. They are now with their parents — and yes, unfortunately, they’ve turned hostile.”

APSCPCR chairperson Ratan Anya voiced similar concerns, pointing out the parents’ sudden involvement after years of absence.

“They were missing for two years when the girls were being exploited. And suddenly, they were at the shelter gates every day. Something was definitely off,” she said.

Legal experts and child rights activists have criticised the breakdown of institutional coordination in the case.

“These are minors trafficked from another state and allegedly exploited by powerful people. If this isn’t the kind of case that deserves the NCPCR’s full attention, then what is?” asked a senior child rights activist.

Although NCPCR chairperson Priyank Kanoongo visited Arunachal Pradesh in June 2024, it remains unclear whether this case was reviewed or escalated for immediate protection measures.

With all five victims now hostile, the prosecution faces an uphill battle — raising serious questions about the state’s ability to protect vulnerable child witnesses in high-profile criminal cases.

Moreover, the Capital police’s commendable effort — even going so far as to arrest high-profile accused — now seems to have been in vain. (NewsFy)

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14/05/2025

U/Siang gears up for monsoon

Yingkiong, May 13: A monsoon preparedness meeting was held under the chairmanship of deputy commissioner Talo Jerang on Tuesday, which was attended by officials from all key departments, including police, health, PWD, power, PHED, WRD, and disaster management.

The meeting reviewed the current preparedness status, identified disaster-prone areas, and discussed departmental coordination, resource availability, and public awareness strategies.

The DC, in his address, emphasised the critical role of the district disaster management authority (DDMA) in proactive disaster planning and highlighted the incident response system (IRS), urging timely activation of the incident response team (IRST) during emergencies.

The district disaster management plan (DDMP) for 2025–26 was formally launched, outlining roles, coordination mechanisms, and resource mobilisation strategies.

Departments were instructed to identify vulnerable areas, conduct joint inspections, and maintain round-the-clock readiness of the emergency operation center (EOC).

All departments were directed to prepare their monsoon plans by May 20.

The health department was tasked with medical preparedness, while PWD and WRD were instructed to clear drains and strengthen embankments. Awareness campaigns, mock drills, and village-level training will be conducted.

Earlier, DDMO Anie Yangfo stressed the need for coordination and reviewed past incidents, the status of shelters, and early warning systems.

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14/05/2025

Tsering calls for united effort to develop Thembang world heritage site

Dirang, May 13: In a key meeting held here on Tuesday, local MLA Phurpa Tsering urged all stakeholders to work collectively toward the development of Thembang, which has earned a spot on UNESCO’s tentative list of world heritage sites.

Chairing the local consultative committee (LCC) meeting for Thembang, Tsering called the recognition a moment of pride not just for West Kameng district but for the entire state.

He encouraged early commencement of development activities while ensuring adherence to quality standards and assured full support from his end to move the project forward.

LCC member secretary T C Atjepu, presented the action plan through a PowerPoint presentation, detailing the roadmap for future work and development initiatives.

Dirang additional deputy commissioner Choiki Dondup in his address, underlining the purpose of the meeting and stressing the need for coordinated efforts among all involved parties.

The meeting was attended by members of the LCC, departmental representatives, village elders, and other key stakeholders committed to preserving and promoting Thembang’s rich cultural heritage.

14/05/2025

Cabinet approves key reforms at historic Kibithu meeting

Itanagar, May 13: In a major boost to Arunachal Pradesh’s energy sector, the state Cabinet on Tuesday approved the formation of M/s NEEPCO Arunachal Hydro Power Corporation Limited, a joint venture between the state government and NEEPCO, to implement five major hydropower projects in Shi-Yomi district.

The projects which include, Tato I, Heo, Tato II, Naying, and Hirong, are part of a broader strategy to accelerate hydropower development, with Tato I and Heo already cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs and set to begin construction soon.

The decision was taken during a historic cabinet meeting held at Kibithu in Anjaw district, India’s easternmost village along the Indo-China (Tibet) border.

Chaired by chief minister Pema Khandu, the meeting marked a significant step in the ‘Cabinet Aapke Dwar’ initiative, aimed at decentralising governance and bringing it closer to the remotest regions.

The cabinet also approved key amendments to the state hydro power policy 2008, and local area development fund guidelines 2022, enabling 1 percent of free power from producers, including public sector undertakings, to be directed to local area development funds, a statement from the chief minister office said.

The move is expected to provide greater and timely support to project-affected families without additional financial burden on the state exchequer.

In another major development, the cabinet granted approval for restoration of the the 144 mw Gongri hydropower project to M/s Dirang Energy Private Limited under the new ‘Arunachal Pradesh Restoration of Terminated Large Hydropower Policy under Special Circumstances, 2025,’ making it the first project revived under this framework.

The hydro power development will also be restructured to ensure basin-wise coordination, and 96 new posts including, 84 technical and 12 non-technical, were approved to strengthen its capacity.

These steps align with the state’s vision for a “Decade of Hydropower,” expected to make the sector a key contributor to the economy, the statement said.

Among other important decisions, the cabinet approved new teachers’ transfer and posting policy 2025, which replaces the earlier 2019–2020 version.

Transfers will now be managed through an automated teacher’s registry portal, designed to ensure transparency, accountability, and rational deployment across all government schools.

To further strengthen education, the cabinet approved 32 teaching and non-teaching posts for Arunachal Pradesh University in Pasighat and framed new recruitment rules for post graduate teachers (PGTs) and trained graduate teachers (TGTs), aligned with National Council of Teachers’ Education (NCTE) standards, facilitating immediate hiring of qualified subject teachers.

On the internal security front, 200 new voluntary Home Guard posts were approved under the Arunachal Pradesh Home Guards Rules 2023. These personnel will support local law enforcement and emergency services across the state.

The cabinet also gave the green light to restructure the Arunachal Pradesh Civil Services (APCS), increasing secretary-level posts from 3 to 8 and additional secretaries from 8 to 13.

The post of extra assistant commissioner (EAC) has been re-designated as assistant commissioner. The personnel department has been tasked with addressing encadrement and other cadre-related issues within two months, the statement said.

To modernise governance, the cabinet approved a tripartite agreement with the Government of India and the Capacity Building Commission under Mission Karmayogi, facilitating targeted training of government employees to enhance administrative efficiency and service delivery.

At the district level, deputy commissioners have now been empowered to suspend erring officials under defined circumstances.

Further, the launch of the Mukhya Mantri Viksit Arunachal District Fellowship program will see 35 fellows and 65 assistant fellows deployed across districts to assist DCs in developmental initiatives.

Other key decisions included the approval of new recruitment rules for various posts under the state land management department, the framing of the AP boilers (inquiry, adjudication and appeal) Rules, 2025, and a review of the Niglok Industrial Growth Centre to accelerate industrialisation.

In a move to promote tourism and cultural identity, the cabinet gave in-principle approval for organising a five-day Sunrise Festival at D**g in Anjaw district, the place where India’s first sun rises.

The event will coincide with the New Year and be managed by professional organisers, with state support for necessary infrastructure.

These comprehensive decisions reflect the government’s commitment to inclusive growth, transparent governance, and sustainable development under the vision of a “Viksit Arunachal”, the statement added.

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14/05/2025

Khandu leads Tiranga Yatra in Walong to celebrate Operation Sindoor success

Itanagar, May 13: Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Tuesday led a Tiranga Yatra in Walong, a remote town in Anjaw district, to celebrate the recent success of the Indian Armed Forces in Operation Sindoor.

Joined by his cabinet colleagues, local leaders, Army personnel, and enthusiastic members of the public, Khandu hailed the courage and determination of the Indian forces involved in the mission.

The yatra showcased national pride and support for the Armed Forces' unwavering commitment to safeguarding the country's borders and sovereignty.

"Ahead of the historic Cabinet Aapke Dwar, I led the Tiranga Yatra at Walong with my cabinet colleagues, local leaders, Army personnel, and the spirited local public. The patriotic fervour at this easternmost frontier rekindled our love for the nation and strengthened our collective resolve to stand in unwavering support of our brave defence forces," Khandu posted on X.

The BJP is taking out an 11-day-long 'Tiranga Yatra' across the country beginning Tuesday, following the success of Operation Sindoor, as part of its outreach to people around the Modi government's determined leadership and the valour of armed forces.

The yatra began in Walong town and concluded at the Walong War Memorial, where the chief minister paid homage to the soldiers who laid down their lives during the 1962 India-China war.

"We paid homage to the valiant jawans who made the supreme sacrifice while defending our motherland during the 1962 war. May their courage continue to inspire generations," he added in another social media post.

Khandu and his ministers had arrived in Walong on Monday ahead of the Cabinet Aapke Dwar programme to be held at Kibithoo, India's easternmost village.

The Cabinet Aapke Dwar initiative aims to bring the entire government machinery, including ministers, officers, and departmental heads, to the grassroots level, enabling direct engagement with citizens. It facilitates immediate solutions to local issues and ensures that governance reaches every village and household.

Several key policy decisions and development announcements tailored to the needs of Anjaw district were made during the Cabinet. PTI

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12/05/2025

WASE launches anti-drug awareness campaign in E/Siang

Pasighat, May 11: Women Against Social Evils (WASE), in collaboration with the East Siang district administration and police, launched a week-long anti-drugs awareness campaign on Saturday at Sille-Oyan, under Operation Dawn 2.0.

The campaign, titled ‘Mission Parivartan’, aims to combat drug abuse through a multi-pronged approach involving law enforcement, community participation, and awareness activities.

The campaign focuses on dismantling drug networks by strengthening the police anti-drug squad and enhancing legal actions in the district. It also seeks to involve young people through the formation of Voice Against Drug Abuse (VADA) clubs, encourage rural women to speak out against drug abuse through the Siang Shakti initiative, and use creative tools such as audio-visual media to make the campaign relatable, especially to the youth.

Speaking on the occasion, joint director of health services T Tali highlighted the severe impact of drug addiction on families and society at large. He noted that drug abuse not only deteriorates a person’s health but also affects the family emotionally, psychologically, and financially.

Addressing students, he advised them to avoid the influence of drug-using peers, listen to their parents, and stay focused on a healthy lifestyle. He also appealed to parents to be more vigilant, create a nurturing home environment, and spend meaningful time with their children to prevent them from falling into substance abuse.

A powerful testimony was shared by recovered addict Mingat Mibang, who spoke about the gradual and destructive nature of addiction. He stressed that early intervention by parents, through love, counselling, and timely rehabilitation, is crucial in preventing youth from falling into the trap of drugs.

He further emphasised that the fight against drugs requires collective effort and responsibility from every member of society.

The launch event witnessed the active participation of HGBs, GBs, students, members of the public, and government officials, reflecting a strong community commitment to addressing the drug menace in the district.

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12/05/2025

Nokar first national-level football assistant ref

Litem Eshi Ori

Pasighat, May 11: Tanyong Nokar of Upper Siang district has become the first football assistant referee from Arunachal Pradesh to be promoted to the national level by the All India Football Federation (AIFF).

Nokar, a resident of Ramsing village under Jengging circle in Upper Siang, cleared the AIFF’s National Referee Examination held earlier this year. He successfully passed the national physical and written tests conducted on March 25 in Gwalior and subsequently completed the final practical and viva examinations during the U-17 Youth League 2024–25 held from May 1 to 5 in Guwahati.

Following his successful assessment, Nokar has been promoted to Level 5 (National Referee Level) under the AIFF. He has been serving as a football assistant referee since November 11, 2021. Nokar holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in History.

The Arunachal Pradesh Football Association (APFA) congratulated Nokar for his achievement, stating that his progression marks a significant milestone for the football fraternity in the state. In a statement issued on Sunday, the association extended its best wishes for his future assignments.

Nokar’s promotion is seen as a boost to the growing interest in football officiating in the state. It is expected to encourage more young aspirants to pursue refereeing at the national level.

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12/05/2025

Wangsu launches mega oil palm drive to boost rural economy

Roing, May 11: In a significant step towards agricultural and economic transformation, Arunachal Pradesh on Sunday launched a mega oil palm plantation drive at Aara-Camp, Abali in the Lower Dibang Valley district.

The initiative, themed ‘sowing for a better future,’ was inaugurated by Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary, and Fisheries minister Gabriel D Wangsu.

Organised by 3F Oil Palm in collaboration with the district agriculture office, the event brought together local farmers, government officials, and key agricultural stakeholders in a joint effort to promote sustainable and profitable farming practices.

Speaking at the launch, Wangsu underscored the importance of oil palm cultivation, calling it ‘not just a state mission but our national mission’.

He applauded the determination and success of local farmers who have embraced oil palm farming and urged them to share their experiences with other regions of the state to help replicate their success.

Wangsu stressed that initiatives like this would not only improve livelihoods but also contribute significantly to India’s broader goal of agricultural self-reliance.

Echoing this sentiment, local MLA Puinnyo Apu referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a self-reliant India and encouraged farmers to support this mission through committed agricultural efforts.

He called on the farming community to see themselves as active contributors to national development through their participation in such progressive schemes.

The event was attended by several dignitaries, including agriculture director T D Neckom, Lower Dibang Valley SP, ADC and senior officials from 3F Oil Palm, and departmental heads.

They highlighted the critical need to promote sustainable crop cultivation and welcomed the collaborative model between government departments and private enterprises.

According to them, such joint efforts will pave the way for long-term economic growth, increased farmer participation, and comprehensive regional development within the oil palm ecosystem.

The northeastern state has already distinguished itself as a frontrunner in this sector, becoming the first Indian state to establish two factories under the National Mission on Edible Oils–Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) programme.

This milestone reflects the state’s growing role in supporting India’s push for self-sufficiency in edible oil production.

The minister, later in the day, also visited several agricultural facilities in the region, including the Bolung government fish farm, the state-of-the-art dairy farm at Kangkong, and the government seed production farm at Bolung.

The visits were aimed at assessing current infrastructure and operational readiness to ensure integrated development across allied agricultural sectors.

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12/05/2025

Gao inaugurates war memorial honouring unsung heroes of Anglo-Abor War

Gobuk, May 11: A war memorial commemorating seven brave warriors from Gobuk village, in Upper Siang district, who fought against British forces in the third Anglo-Abor War (1893–94) was inaugurated on Saturday at Harkam view point.

The memorial, named ‘Migang Miipang Mikmo’, was unveiled by Lok Sabha MP from the state Tapir Gao, in the presence of advisor to the chief minister Alo Libang, MLA Oni Panyang, and a host of dignitaries.

The event marked a historic moment for the district, with the memorial standing as a lasting tribute to the courage and sacrifice of local freedom fighters.

Gao lauded the Adi Baane Kebang (ABK) for its initiative in tracing and honouring unsung heroes, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of preserving India’s hidden legacies.

He urged the Mipang Miipang Mikmo committee to document the stories of the heroes through audiovisuals and written records for future generations. He also called on the community to promote peace, environmental conservation, and enrolment in government healthcare schemes such as PMJAY and CMAAY.

Addressing concerns about youth welfare, Gao emphasised vigilance in children's education to prevent social issues like drug abuse.

Libang in his address, hailed the memorial’s inauguration as a milestone for Gobuk and assured continued efforts to bring due recognition to the region's freedom fighters. Panyang echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of preserving their legacies.

Upper Siang deputy commissioner Talo Jerang in his address g called for the annual celebration of the memorial and envisioned its development into a cultural tourism site.

Earlier, ABK president Tadum Libang outlined the organization’s work in identifying and recognising the contributions of Gobuk's warriors. Several community leaders, including gaon buras, welfare society members, and land donors, also addressed the gathering.

The Migang Miipang Mikmo memorial honours seven warriors from Gobuk including, Matkam Tekseng, Jantang Kombo, Pikor Siboh, Gongkar Miyu, Kirpon Kirkom, Tongyang Miyu, and Kakir Libang who, according to oral tradition, fought alongside their Adi brethren during the British advance at Bongal Yapgo, Dambuk, in present-day Lower Dibang Valley.

In recognition of their courage, local communities gifted tokens of gratitude, the ‘Sisuk Rebung’ (horn), ‘Ngiding’ (spear), and ‘Benjak Rebung’ (buffalo horn), still preserved by the descendants of the warriors.

The memorial now serves not only as a symbol of local pride but also as a vital link to the region’s heritage and contribution to India’s freedom struggle.

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11/05/2025

Guv hosts ‘Sarva Dharma Meet’ to promote unity and clarity after Operation Sindoor

Itanagar, May 10: In a move aimed at fostering unity and clarity following India’s recent counter-terror mission, Operation Sindoor, Governor K T Parnaik Saturday hosted a ‘Sarva Dharma Meet’ at Raj Bhavan, here.

The initiative sought to address concerns and bring together various communities in the aftermath of the operation.

During the interaction, the governor explained that Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, was a direct response to the terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22. He emphasised that the operation was executed with precision and restraint, targeting only terrorist camps across nine locations.

Parnaik made it clear that the operation was not an act of retaliation, but a necessary step to protect citizens and ensure national security.

He highlighted the strong collaboration between political and military leadership, noting that the guidance from the highest levels had been decisive.

The governor reaffirmed India’s commitment to the values of humanism, which will continue to guide the nation in its pursuit of Viksit Bharat@2047.

Drawing on his extensive military experience, Parnaik, who previously led the Northern Command as chief, assured the gathering that the armed forces conducted the operation with careful consideration.

The operation was planned to avoid civilian casualties or damage to military assets while sending a firm message that India would not tolerate terrorism.

He further explained that Pakistani forces had targeted religious institutions in an attempt to create discord among Indian communities, but the vigilance of India’s armed forces successfully thwarted these attacks.

Reassuring citizens, Parnaik clarified that India did not initiate aggression, and that the global community had recognised India’s right to self-defence. He pointed out that international support for India’s actions reflects the world’s understanding that security is a prerequisite for lasting peace.

The governor urged everyone to remain alert against misinformation and continue promoting communal harmony. He expressed confidence that the people’s unity and wisdom would prevail over divisive narratives.

Parnaik also emphasised the importance of understanding the role of the armed forces.

The governor praised the deep-rooted patriotism of the people of Arunachal Pradesh, recalling their unwavering support for the armed forces during the 1962 Sino-India War.

He noted that this spirit of nationalism continues to make Arunachal Pradesh an integral and proud part of the nation.

Representatives from various religious communities including, indigenous, Hindu, Muslim, Sikh and Christian faiths, along with members of civil society, educators, and intellectuals, attended the meeting.

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11/05/2025

MLA advocates for better education and higher enrollment in govt schools

Ziro, May 10: Ziro-Hapoli MLA Hage Appa, on Saturday convened a meeting to discuss improving the education scenario and strengthening enrolment rate in government schools in the Lower Subansiri.

Addressing the occasion, he expressed his concerns over the poor education scenario and enrolment rate in government schools in the district. However, he appreciated the school management committee (SMC) of N G government secondary school of Tajang Village for improvement in enrolment rate of students and asked them to share their formula to other SMCs as well.

He further suggested creation of local level SMCs where there are less administrative interventions and direct contact of SMCs with students and teachers on one side and parents on the other for effective monitoring.

The MLA further assured of no political interventions from his side in transfer and posting of teachers and asked the SMCs and the education department to do the rationalization of teachers, as and when needed.

Lower Subansiri deputy commissioner Vivek H P, asked the members present to introspect why private school teachers are highly motivated despite low salary than government school teachers.

He said that every student deserves a clean environment for learning and it is the responsibility of the headmasters or principals of the schools to maintain their schools neat and clean.

While exhorting the SMCs, he said that schools are building blocks of our civilized society wherein students are being trained and disciplined, therefore principals and teachers should never give up on unruly students.

He suggested a multi-dimensional and multi-pronged approach for improving the infrastructure, enrolment rate and quality of education in the proposed 18 numbers of government schools in the district.

DAEO Rubu Buker, while sharing the success story of the N G govt secondary school, informed that they have specially created a committee of 12 members for improvement of enrolment and each member were given a task to enroll at least 5 students.

Also, in collaboration with the Tajang Welfare Council, they are providing free books & free transport facility for students and also providing free coaching for students who are slow learners.

BRCC Tage Opo, informed that they have brought the number of schools in the district from earlier 76 to 25 in the session 2024-25 and further proposed to bring them to 18 in the session 2025-26 by merging the low enrolment schools for effective monitoring, rationalization of teachers and quality education.

He further said that the quality of education is of prime importance to gain the confidence of students and parents and for that he suggested improvement of infrastructure, providing qualified teachers and other facilities.

Apatani Students Union president Pura Nado, said that earlier students were being disciplined in schools but now the time has to discipline irregular teachers as well.

While comparing the high enrolment rate of private schools with that of government schools, he informed that the private schools are good at marketing their infrastructure facilities and good results via social media and other advertising modes and suggested SMCs and the Department to emulate the same technique in government schools.

He also suggested conducting inter-school co-curricular meets like literary meet, sports meet etc. to develop the spirit of competitiveness among the young students.

On the proposal of the MLA, the members present in the meeting have unanimously agreed to fix the responsibility of improving the current enrolment rate as well as quality of education in the government schools upon the concerned SMCs, ZPMs and the apex bodies of the respective villages.

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The Dawnlit POST

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