CM KHANDU ANNOUNCES PHASED INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR DNGG

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Itanagar, November 13 : Chief Minister Pema Khandu today announced a comprehensive, phased infrastructure development plan for Dera Natung Government College (DNGC), Itanagar, assuring that the institution’s long-pending infrastructure requirements would be addressed in a coordinated manner.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the college’s 46th Annual College Week Celebrations, the Chief Minister said a dedicated officer from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) would coordinate with the Public Works Department, Public Health Engineering and Water Supply Department, and Electrical Department to expedite the proposed development works.

He said DNGC has around 49 acres of land available for expansion and acknowledged that the infrastructure requirements highlighted in a memorandum submitted by the college administration and students’ representatives were genuine. He assured that the proposals would be examined holistically and taken up for approval and sanction in phases. Development of a football ground at the college would also be considered as part of the proposed infrastructure expansion.

In a major announcement for the state’s youth, Khandu informed that the State Government was preparing a programme in collaboration with the Army to sponsor candidates for coaching and preparation for officer-level entry into the Armed Forces and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs).

Under the initiative, selected candidates would be sent to coaching institutions to prepare for the relevant examinations, enabling more young people from Arunachal Pradesh to pursue careers as commissioned officers in the Army, Navy, Air Force and CAPFs. The programme is expected to begin this year.

Highlighting the Government’s commitment to strengthening education infrastructure, the Chief Minister said Rs 3,100 crore had been invested in the first phase of Mission Shikshit Arunachal. The second phase has commenced with an initial allocation of Rs 1,500 crore, which would be enhanced after reviewing the requirements. He expressed confidence that DNGC’s infrastructure needs would be incorporated into the mission’s broader efforts to improve educational institutions across the State.

Established in 1979, DNGC is among the oldest colleges in Arunachal Pradesh and currently has an enrolment of 5,102 students, Khandu said. He also acknowledged the institution’s contribution in producing alumni who have made their mark in politics, business, agriculture, public service and community organisations.

Referring to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Chief Minister stressed the importance of multidisciplinary education, skill development, research and innovation. He said higher education must equip students with practical knowledge and skills relevant to changing professional and societal requirements.

He also encouraged students to take advantage of the Arunachal Academic Excellence Scheme, under which the State Government provides scholarships to eligible students securing admission to globally recognised universities ranked among the top 150 in the QS World University Rankings.

Highlighting opportunities beyond academics, Khandu said initiatives such as Arunachal Idol, Mr Arunachal, Miss Arunachal and Arunachal Got Talent had provided platforms for young people to showcase their talents beyond the State. He further noted that Arunachal Pradesh had won more than 1,000 medals at national and international sporting events over the past decade and had secured representation at the Asian Games for the first time.

The Chief Minister assured continued government support for strengthening sports infrastructure, including the development of sports facilities at DNGC.

On employment and tourism opportunities, he said the Government had partnered with the National Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports (NIMAS) to train 400 youths from Arunachal Pradesh annually in adventure activities such as mountaineering, trekking, paragliding, rafting and scuba diving. The initiative aims to equip young people with skills to explore livelihood opportunities in adventure tourism and allied sectors.

He also highlighted youth-oriented initiatives such as Battle of Minds, Spelling Wizard, Science League and Maths Olympiad, aimed at promoting academic competition and identifying talent at the school level. The proposed annual Arunachal Yuva Samanvay, he added, would provide a platform for students from government and private colleges to understand the State’s diverse communities, cultures and traditions.

Urging students to embrace technology and artificial intelligence constructively, Khandu said digital platforms and online learning resources had opened up unprecedented opportunities for the younger generation. He encouraged students to use these tools for learning, research and skill development to compete at national and international levels.

The Chief Minister congratulated the college administration, faculty members, students and organising committee on the 46th Annual College Week celebrations. He also appreciated the march-past contingents representing the college’s 16 departments, NCC cadets and students who presented the cultural programme.