Arunachal development scenario changed from 2001: Kovind

Itanagar, November 19 (IANS): President Ram Nath Kovind on Sunday said the development scenario of Arunachal Pradesh has changed since 2001.   "The state's development scenario has changed since 2001 with the execution of Trans Arunachal Highway, road connectivity to the remote interior areas, besides construction of advanced landing grounds at Pasighat, Mechukha, Ziro, Tuting and Walong to facilitate connectivity to the people living in remote areas," he said.   Kovind was addressing the valedictory function of the celebration of 40 years of Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalayas (VKV) in Arunachal Pradesh at Indira Gandhi Park here.   He also noted that introduction of railway services from Itanagar to cities like Guwahati in Assam and construction of the 500 bedded hospital-cum-medical college at Naharlagun shows accelerating development in the state.   Noting that the state has a huge hydro power potential, Kovind said Arunachal Pradesh can become "the power house of the nation", even as he mentioned that the state's immense natural habitations have the potential for development of agricultural and horticultural produce.   Describing Arunachal as the "land of rising sun" which, with its diverse cultures as practiced by different tribes and unparalleled scenic beauty, is the perfect symbol of "unity in diversity", the President said that the state has been mentioned in the Kalika puranas.   He said the state is found in the epic Mahabharata due to many historical references connected to the state.   On the state's contribution to the freedom struggle, he said many personalities, including freedom fighter Matmur Jamoh, fought against the British, and Talom Rukbo, Y.D. Thongchi and Padmashree Mamang Dai have been widely recognised.   Commending the services of the VKV with their motto of "service to man is service to god" towards promotion of quality education in the country and the state in particular despite challenges, Kovind emphasised on education to bring about progress in the society   The Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya Alumni Association was celebrating 40 years of VKV establishment in Arunachal Pradesh as an acknowledgement to the VKVs for their significant contribution in the education sector.   Arunachal Pradesh Governor Brig (Retd) B.D. Mishra and Chief Minister Pema Khandu heaped praise on the Vivekananda Kendra's mission of selfless service to society in the fields of education and Swachhta, particularly in difficult areas like Changlang, Tirap and Longding.  

Arunachal government to set up Skill University

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Sunday announced the setting up of a Skill University to provide employment opportunities outside the government space.   "The biggest challenge facing the youth of Arunachal today is the dearth of adequate and gainful employment opportunities outside the government space," Khandu told President Ram Nath Kovind at a gathering here.   Kovind attended the valedictory function of the 40 years celebrations of Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalayas in Arunachal Pradesh.   "There exists a vicious cycle of limited private investment coupled with low levels of entrepreneurship and a narrow skill base. This must be broken. We have taken a decision to establish a Skill University, three employability centers and para-medical training college on a PPP framework," Khandu said.   Noting that creation an eco-system which encourages entrepreneurship amongst local youth remains a key objective, the Chief Minister said the government had launched Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhayaya Swavalamban Yojana.   He said the government also focused on to properly channelise the youth by promoting and facilitating games and sports.   The Chief Minister said his government had accorded special emphasis in improving the quality of education imparted in schools.