Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu announced a new initiative to sponsor eligible youths for coaching and training for officer-level careers in the Armed Forces and CAPFs, alongside major investments in education, college infrastructure and youth skill development.
The Arunachal Pradesh government is preparing a major initiative in collaboration with the Indian Army to help young people from the state pursue careers as commissioned officers in the Armed Forces and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). Chief Minister Pema Khandu announced the proposed programme on Friday, highlighting the government’s commitment to expanding employment and career opportunities for the state’s youth.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the 46th Annual College Week Celebrations of Dera Natung Government College (DNGC) in Itanagar, Khandu said the initiative is expected to begin this year. Under the programme, selected and eligible candidates will be sponsored to coaching institutions for specialised preparation and training before appearing in relevant entrance examinations.
The initiative aims to encourage more young people from Arunachal Pradesh to pursue officer-level positions in the Army, Navy, Air Force and CAPFs, providing them with structured guidance and better preparation opportunities.
Highlighting the government’s focus on strengthening the education sector, the Chief Minister said Rs 3,100 crore had been invested in the first phase of Mission Shikshit Arunachal. The second phase has also commenced with an initial allocation of Rs 1,500 crore, which will be increased after assessing further requirements.
Khandu also announced a comprehensive, phased infrastructure development plan for Dera Natung Government College. Established in 1979, the institution is among the oldest colleges in the state and currently has 5,102 students. He said a dedicated officer from the Chief Minister’s Office would coordinate with the Public Works Department, Public Health Engineering and Water Supply Department, and Electrical Department to address the college’s infrastructure needs.
Emphasising the importance of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, Khandu said higher education must become multidisciplinary and focus on skill development, research, innovation and holistic learning. He stressed that students should acquire knowledge and practical skills that remain relevant throughout their professional lives.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the Arunachal Academic Excellence Scheme, which provides scholarships to eligible students securing admission to globally recognised universities ranked among the top 150 in the QS World University Rankings.
Speaking about opportunities beyond academics, Khandu highlighted initiatives such as Arunachal Idol, Mr Arunachal, Miss Arunachal and Arunachal Got Talent, which provide platforms for young talents to showcase their abilities.
In sports, he said Arunachal Pradesh had won more than 1,000 medals at national and international competitions over the past decade and achieved representation at the Asian Games for the first time.
He further highlighted the partnership with the National Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports (NIMAS), under which 400 youths will receive annual training in mountaineering, trekking, paragliding, rafting and scuba diving to develop livelihood opportunities in adventure tourism.
| Also Read: Assam Rifles Arrest One, Seize Rs 60 Crore Drug Consignment |
Referring to youth-focused initiatives such as Battle of Minds, Spelling Wizard, Science League and Maths Olympiad, Khandu encouraged students to develop their abilities through academic competition.
He also urged young people to use artificial intelligence, technology and digital platforms constructively for learning, research and professional development. The proposed annual Arunachal Yuva Samanvay event will further provide students from government and private colleges an opportunity to understand the state’s diverse communities and cultural traditions.
