Hornbill News

  ITANAGAR, July 25:  Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has expressed his appreciation for former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan following his resignation, praising his years of public service and contribution to India's education sector. In a message shared on social media, Khandu described Pradhan as a leader who rose from student activism and brought a deep understanding of the aspirations of young Indians to the education portfolio.  He said Pradhan worked with dedication to strengthen educational institutions and implement key reforms despite the challenges of leading the ministry. Pradhan's resignation came amid widespread public outrage over the alleged NEET paper leak.  The issue had triggered protests across the country, including demonstrations led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and other organisations demanding accountability and his resignation. The government has not officially linked his resignation to the protests. Thanking ...

  DAHUNG, July 22:  The Being Monpa Foundation (BMF), led by President Tenzin Dhargey along with its Central Executive Members, visited the Central Institute of Himalayan Culture Studies (CIHCS), Dahung, on Wednesday to meet students who have been staging an indefinite dharna since July 20. The delegation interacted with the protesting students and listened to their grievances against the institute's Director and Administrative Accounts Officer (AAO). The meeting was also attended by the Secretary General of the Monpa Mimang Tsokpa (MMT) and his team, Shri Nabam Gandhi, Vice President (Protocol) of the All Arunachal Pradesh Students' Union (AAPSU), representatives of DSU West Kameng, DSU Tawang, Tawang Middle Zone Students' Union (TMZSU), and ARGSU. The discussion focused on the students' long-pending academic and administrative concerns.  Representatives from the participating organisations assured the students that their issues would be taken seriously and stressed th...

  NEW DELHI, July 21:  Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday said the Central Government acted promptly after reports of the alleged NEET examination paper leak surfaced, resulting in the arrest and imprisonment of 13 people allegedly involved in the racket. Speaking on the issue, Rijiju said the government's top priority was to protect the future of lakhs of students who appeared for the examination.  He said the Centre immediately decided to conduct a re-examination to ensure that deserving candidates were not affected by the alleged malpractice. According to the minister, the re-examination was conducted smoothly and the results were declared without delay, helping minimise uncertainty and disruption for students. Rijiju also said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had directed that strict measures be put in place to prevent such incidents from happening again.  He added that the government has strengthened safeguards to maintain the integrity and...

  ITANAGAR, July 21: The Arunachal Pradesh Government has assured concrete steps to address the ongoing NERIST issue following a high-level consultative meeting chaired by Home Minister Mama Natung on Tuesday. The meeting was attended by Education Minister Pasang Dorjee Sona, Advisor Mutchu Mithi, the Principal Secretary (Home), Commissioner (Education), senior police officials, Home Department officers, and representatives of the ANSU and ANYA. Addressing the meeting, Home Minister Mama Natung said the government remains committed to safeguarding the welfare of students while upholding the sanctity and academic excellence of the North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology (NERIST).  He emphasized that the issue would be resolved through constructive dialogue and collective efforts. The meeting comes amid growing protests over the functioning of NERIST.  On July 11, ANSU had issued a seven-day ultimatum demanding that the Ministry of Education accept the re...

  DOIMUKH, July 19: Students of Taraso Secondary School continue to risk their lives every day by crossing the Taraso River on foot to attend classes, as a bridge that was meant to provide safe connectivity has remained incomplete for nearly eight years. A video that has surfaced online shows students carefully wading through the swollen river, helping one another navigate the strong current while carrying their school bags.  The situation becomes particularly dangerous during the monsoon season, when rising water levels make the crossing increasingly hazardous. The students have appealed to the MLA of the 14th Doimukh Assembly Constituency and the Government of Arunachal Pradesh to expedite the construction of the long-pending bridge.  They said the absence of a proper bridge not only disrupts their education but also puts their lives at constant risk. The issue has been repeatedly raised by local residents and community organizations.  Earlier, the Taraso Circle Yo...

  NEW DELHI, July 18:  The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) has passed an Executive Committee resolution expressing deep concern over the health of education reformer and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is on an indefinite hunger strike.  The resolution commended his efforts to highlight issues surrounding the NEET examination system and called for greater institutional sensitivity to his demands. Adopted on July 16, 2026, the resolution stated that Wangchuk had placed his health and life at risk for the future of the country's children, bringing national attention to what the Committee described as serious concerns related to the NEET examination and the broader well-being of the nation. The SCBA praised Wangchuk's longstanding contributions to education, innovation, and youth development, describing his work as a model of public service rooted in action, institution-building, and direct engagement with communities.  It said his commitment has transformed c...

  NEW DELHI, July 17:  Arunachal Frontier Tribal Front (AFTF) Chairman Tadak Nalo on Friday visited the CJP protest site at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, where activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk has been on an indefinite fast since June 27. During the visit, Nalo met Wangchuk and expressed his solidarity with the activist. Sharing a message after the meeting, he wrote, "You are not alone. India stands with you." Wangchuk is participating in the ongoing CJP-led protest demanding accountability over alleged irregularities in national entrance examinations, including NEET.  The protesters are calling for comprehensive reforms in the examination system, greater transparency in recruitment and admissions, and action against those responsible for the alleged lapses.  They have also sought the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Nalo has long been vocal on education reforms in Arunachal Pradesh and has consistently worked for the interests of...

  ITANAGAR, July 17:  In a landmark achievement for medical education in Arunachal Pradesh, the Tomo Riba Institute of Health & Medical Sciences (TRIHMS), Naharlagun, has been granted an ECFMG Sponsor Note and officially listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS) on July 13, 2026.  It is the first medical college in the state to receive this internationally significant recognition. The recognition opens new opportunities for eligible TRIHMS MBBS graduates to pursue higher education, residency training, and medical careers in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and several other countries, subject to prescribed eligibility requirements. The ECFMG Sponsor Note also enables eligible graduates to apply for ECFMG Certification, an essential step for those seeking postgraduate medical training and licensure abroad.  The listing further strengthens the international recognition of TRIHMS and its MBBS degree. The institute...

  ITANAGAR, July 15:  In a major initiative to support government job aspirants in Arunachal Pradesh, Home Minister Mama Natung met Ms. Osin Mosu, Founder Director of Northeast PSC, at the Civil Secretariat to discuss launching a Special Scholarship Programme for 100 APSSB aspirants from the 11th Seppa West (ST) Assembly Constituency. The programme, proposed in collaboration with Northeast PSC and the Northeast Hornbill Foundation, aims to provide deserving candidates with quality coaching, expert guidance, mentorship, and structured preparation for the Arunachal Pradesh Staff Selection Board (APSSB) examinations. During the meeting, the Home Minister appreciated Ms. Osin Mosu's initiative, describing it as an important step towards empowering educated youth through quality coaching and equal opportunities.  He said investing in the youth is an investment in the future of Arunachal Pradesh. He also noted that making quality APSSB coaching accessible to deserving students ...

  PASIGHAT, July 13:  The Indian Army's Spearhead Gunners, under the aegis of the Spearhead Division, successfully conducted a five-day Basic Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) and Counter-Unmanned Aerial System (C-UAS) Training Programme for around 120 NCC cadets of the 22 AP NCC Battalion in Arunachal Pradesh. The training was held from July 8 to 10 at the 22 AP NCC Battalion, Pasighat, followed by practical sessions from July 11 to 12 at the Sigar Military Station. The programme offered cadets comprehensive exposure to modern drone technology through a series of lecture-cum-demonstrations, simulator-based training, live drone flying, equipment displays, drone repair demonstrations, and interactive practical sessions.  Participants were introduced to the fundamentals of drones and their components, as well as the operational use of UAS in surveillance and reconnaissance missions. Cadets also received hands-on training in Counter-UAS (C-UAS) techniques, gaining insight into id...

  APU students visit NITI Aayog headquarters in New Delhi. ITANAGAR, July 11:  A 22-member student delegation from Arunachal Pradesh University (APU), Pasighat, scripted history on Friday by becoming the first university student delegation in the country to be officially hosted for a study visit at NITI Aayog, India's premier public policy think tank, during their educational tour to New Delhi. The delegation was accompanied by faculty escort Ngurang Mana and staff member Jumkar Nada.  During the visit, the students participated in an interactive session at the NITI Aayog headquarters, chaired by Dr Joram Aniya, Member of NITI Aayog. The session was attended by Maj Gen K. Narayanan (AVSM), who welcomed the delegation, while Lt Col Jitendra Verma, Officer on Special Duty (OSD), moderated the programme and provided the students with an overview of NITI Aayog's role, structure and key policy initiatives. In her concluding address, Dr Aniya encouraged the students to become a...

  ITANAGAR, July 9:  The Directorate of Higher & Technical Education (DHTE), Government of Arunachal Pradesh, has assured that the pending Post Matric Scholarship dues for the remaining eligible students will be disbursed within 10 working days. The assurance came on Thursday following a protest staged outside the Directorate office in Itanagar by aggrieved students led by activist Charpo Taffo Sonam.  The students had demanded the immediate release of scholarship funds, citing prolonged delays that had affected their education and finances. In an official notice dated July 9, 2026, the Directorate stated that the due amount of the Post Matric Scholarship would be released to the remaining beneficiaries within the stipulated timeframe. The Directorate's assurance drew a mixed reaction from the students.  While many welcomed the commitment to release the pending scholarship dues within 10 working days, they also demanded greater accountability from the department ...

  ITANAGAR, July 2:  The Directorate of Secondary Education, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, has released the official list of 28 meritorious students selected for the State Merit Scholarship Award 2026 based on their performance in the Class X (AISS) Examination, 2026.  The merit list, issued by the Directorate of Secondary Education, recognises students from government and private schools across eight districts for their outstanding academic achievements.  Blue Pine Residential School, Hapoli, emerged as the top-performing institution with nine students securing places in the merit list. The selected students from the school are Hage Annu Treisa, Hibu Kaku, Koji Sampyu, Doilyang Kari, Tasso Keying, Hage Pyaping, Hage Riimu, Hano Cheryl Nuri and Radhe Donya. From East Siang, the selected students are Lajong Borang of GHSS Mebo, Geyum Rihar of Green Valley School GTC, Reyi Murtem of Sainik School East Siang and Aaditya Pran Sarmah of Angun Asir Academy, Pasighat. We...

  Itanagar, June 30:  The Rajiv Gandhi University Research Scholars' Forum (RGURSF), with the support of the All Arunachal Pradesh Students' Union (AAPSU), on Tuesday, has submitted a joint memorandum to the Chairman of the Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC), Prof. Pradip Lingfa, urging the commission to review the recruitment process for the 145 Assistant Professor posts to ensure greater fairness, transparency, inclusivity, and merit-based selection. The memorandum comes in response to concerns raised by several Ph.D. scholars, NET-qualified candidates, and aspiring Assistant Professors from different disciplines over the existing shortlisting criteria and selection procedure. According to RGURSF, numerous representations were received from candidates who expressed apprehensions about the current recruitment process. To address these concerns, RGURSF convened an urgent grievance hearing and dialogue session where research scholars and teaching aspirants disc...

  TAWANG, June 29:  The District-Level Monpa Speech Competition on the theme "Waste Management" was successfully held on Monday at Government Upper Primary School, PWD Colony, Tawang, bringing together talented students from across the district to promote environmental awareness through their mother tongue. Organised by the Department of Education under the guidance of Deputy Commissioner Namgyal Angmo, IAS, the competition aimed to encourage the use of the Monpa dialect while fostering awareness about responsible waste management and environmental conservation. A total of 12 students, including winners and runners-up from six educational blocks of Tawang district, participated in the event. The young speakers impressed the audience with their confidence, eloquence, and insightful presentations on environmental protection, all delivered in the Monpa language. The programme was attended by Deputy Director of School Education (DDSE) Hridar Phuntsok, Assistant Commissioner Kyidp...

  Pasighat, June 24: Massive protests erupted at the College of Horticulture and Forestry (CHF), Pasighat, under the Central Agricultural University (CAU), Imphal, on Thursday as students staged demonstrations against the transfer and proposed joining of a professor who has been accused of sexual harassment during his previous posting at the College of Post Graduate Studies in Agricultural Sciences (CPGS-AS), Umiam, Meghalaya. According to an official university order dated May 8, 2026, Dr. Pranab Dutta, Professor of Plant Pathology and Chairman of the School of Crop Protection at CPGS-AS, Barapani, Meghalaya, was transferred and posted to CHF Pasighat on administrative grounds. The transfer sparked strong opposition from students, particularly female students, who expressed concerns over their safety and well-being. In a representation submitted to the Dean of CHF Pasighat on May 11, 2026, the Girls' Representatives of the Student Council voiced serious apprehensions regarding Dr....

  Seppa, June 23:  As part of the observance of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on June 26, East Kameng District Police conducted an awareness programme at LBSNV-1 School in Seppa, engaging students and teachers in a campaign against substance abuse. The initiative aimed to educate young people about the harmful effects of drug abuse and the dangers associated with illicit trafficking, while promoting healthy, responsible, and drug-free lifestyles. During the interactive session, police officials highlighted the growing threat posed by substance abuse and stressed the importance of early awareness and prevention. Students were encouraged to make informed choices, resist peer pressure, and actively contribute to building a safer and healthier society. The officers emphasized that the fight against drug abuse is a collective responsibility that requires the active involvement of families, educational institutions, communities, and law enforcement...

  Likabali, June 18:  In a proactive initiative aimed at enhancing student safety and strengthening collaboration between educational institutions and law enforcement agencies, a coordination meeting was convened by the Superintendent of Police (SP), Lower Siang District, at the SP Office in Likabali on Thursday. The meeting was attended by Principals, Headmasters, Headmistresses, and Wardens from various schools across Likabali. Also present were the Deputy Superintendent of Police (HQ), Officer-in-Charge of Likabali Police Station, Reserve Inspector, and the Child Development Project Officer (CDPO), Likabali. During the interaction, the SP held detailed discussions with school authorities on a range of issues affecting students and educational environments. Key topics included student safety and security, discipline, prevention of drug abuse, cybercrime awareness, implementation of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, bullying, ragging, and the import...

  Representative visual  Itanagar, June 15:  The Arunachal Pradesh Staff Selection Board's (APSSB) Special Recruitment Drive for Uniformed Services Combined Examination 2026, conducted on June 14, has once again brought the state's long-debated 80:20 recruitment ratio into public focus. As thousands of aspirants converged on examination centres across the state, particularly in Itanagar, the presence of a large number of non-Arunachali candidates appearing for vacancies reserved under the 20 percent quota reignited discussions on whether the decades-old policy remains relevant in present-day Arunachal Pradesh. The issue has gained particular significance at a time when unemployment remains one of the most pressing challenges facing the state's younger generation. The 80:20 recruitment ratio was introduced during a period when Arunachal Pradesh faced a shortage of qualified local manpower in several sectors. To ensure the smooth functioning of government departments and es...

  Yachuli, June 12: Marking a significant milestone in the advancement of early childhood education and care, the District Anganwadi Workers Leadership Workshop was successfully conducted on June 12, 2026, at Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS), Yachuli, under the Comprehensive Action Plan for Education (CAPE), a flagship initiative of the Keyi Panyor Mission Plan 2040. The landmark workshop brought together Anganwadi Workers from across the district, reflecting an overwhelming 96 percent participation rate, with 113 dedicated Anganwadi Workers attending the programme from all six clusters. The event was organized with the objective of strengthening leadership, enhancing professional capacity, and reinforcing the critical role played by Anganwadi Workers in shaping the future of young children through quality early childhood care and education. Sharing details of the programme, MLA of the 16th Yachuli Assembly Constituency, , described the workshop as a historic day for early...