Arunachal Pradesh pushes education, sports, and skill development

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on April 16 outlined a series of initiatives focused on education, sports, and skill development while encouraging students to adopt technology and seek global opportunities.

Speaking at Dera Natung Government College, where he inaugurated a new administrative block, a pre fabricated badminton cum judo hall, and a recreation hall, Khandu said the projects are part of ongoing efforts to address infrastructure gaps in higher education institutions across the state.

He said the addition of sports and recreational facilities would contribute to students’ overall development by promoting discipline, leadership, and healthier lifestyles.

Referring to recent achievements, he noted that Arunachal Pradesh has improved its performance in sports over the past decade, securing fifth place nationally and emerging as the top performer in the Northeast at the Khelo India Tribal Games.

Khandu also highlighted a state initiative to fully sponsor students who gain admission to the world’s top 150 universities, urging them to take advantage of the opportunity for global exposure.

On academic reforms, he pointed to the rollout of Mission Shikshit Arunachal 2029 in alignment with the National Education Policy 2020, stating that both infrastructure upgrades and curriculum changes are being pursued to bring the education system in line with global standards.

Emphasizing the role of emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, he urged students to engage with them responsibly.

He added that steps such as AI integration and Vidya Samiksha Kendras have already been introduced to enable real-time monitoring of the education sector.

The Chief Minister said two new science centers with planetariums will be set up in Namsai and Dirang to promote scientific learning among students.

He also stressed the importance of skill-based education, pointing to opportunities in sectors such as hydropower, MSMEs, startups, and entrepreneurship, and encouraged students to become job creators.

Referring to ongoing government programs, he mentioned the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Swavalamban Yojana, startup support initiatives, and the Arunachal Pradesh Investment and Innovation Park.

To support creative industries, Khandu announced the formation of an “Arunachal Creative Economy” cell in the Chief Minister’s Office to promote sectors such as arts, music, and weaving and provide global platforms for talent.

Earlier, inaugurating the facilities, he described the developments as a key step in strengthening higher education in the state and noted the college’s steady progress in recent years with new departments, hostels, and expanded academic infrastructure.