Youth empowerment key to govt vision, says Arunachal Dy CM at pre-budget consultation

Posted on by Vividh Bharathi

Itanagar, March 2 (IANS) Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, on Monday, highlighted that youth empowerment and preparing the next generation for emerging opportunities remain central to the government’s vision.

Chairing a pre-budget consultative meeting with Community-Based Organisations (CBOs), the Deputy Chief Minister emphasised that the exercise was not a routine formality but a sincere effort to listen to people’s voices before finalising the annual state budget.

He said the consultation forms part of the government’s annual pre-budget exercise aimed at ensuring inclusive and participatory planning.

Deputy Chief Minister Mein, who holds the Finance, Planning and Investment portfolios, said that each year the state government reviews best practices, assesses developmental gaps, and evaluates performance indicators to ensure that investments are strategically aligned with the state’s long-term priorities.

He stressed the importance of women’s empowerment, strengthening healthcare systems, improving education infrastructure, promoting sustainable livelihoods, and accelerating infrastructure development across districts.

The Deputy Chief Minister noted that while Arunachal Pradesh has witnessed significant progress over the past decade, continuous monitoring, departmental streamlining, and coordinated policy implementation are essential to sustain the growth momentum.

The meeting, held at the Civil Secretariat, also deliberated on forward-looking initiatives such as the development of heritage villages and cultural tourism models aimed at preserving the state’s rich traditions while generating economic opportunities for local communities.

Chief Minister Mein underscored the need for collective responsibility and close collaboration between government departments and community organisations to ensure holistic and inclusive development.

Expressing appreciation for the constructive suggestions and valuable insights shared by the CBOs, he reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to incorporating feasible recommendations into the upcoming state budget.

He reiterated that through unity, shared vision, and coordinated action, Arunachal Pradesh would continue its journey towards greater prosperity and balanced development.

The consultation witnessed active participation from organisations including the Arunachal Indigenous Tribal Forum (AITF), Nyishi Elite Society (NES), Adi Baane Kebang (ABK), Galo Welfare Society (GWS), Tagin Cultural Society (TCS), Tanii Supun-Dukun (TSD), Tangsa Literary and Cultural Development Society (TLCDS), Wancho Cultural Society (WCS), Tai Khamti Development Society (TKDS), Mishmi Welfare Society (MWS), Nocte Welfare Society (NWS), Monpa Mimang Society (MMS), All Puroik Welfare Society (APWS), Sajolang Elite Society (SES), All Bogun-Khowa Society (ABKS), and other representatives of community-based organisations.

–IANS

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Andhra Pradesh CM seeks Rs 150 crore from Centre for tobacco procurement

Amaravati, June 15 (IANS) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday urged the Centre to provide Rs 150 crore for tobacco procurement, reduction of import duty on crude palm oil, and to hold talks with US authorities to reduce the 27 per cent tariff on aqua products.

The Chief Minister held a discussion with Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal regarding the challenges faced by farmers growing commercial crops and those involved in aquaculture.

During his visit to the state, the Union Minister met the Chief Minister at the CM’s camp office. The two leaders discussed issues such as the procurement of HD Burley tobacco, the reduction of import duty on crude palm oil, tariffs imposed by the US on aqua exports, and GST reduction on mango pulp.

Chandrababu Naidu explained the current situation in the state and the hardships being faced by farmers. He also informed the Union Minister about the steps being taken by the state government to address these issues and sought the Centre’s cooperation.

The Chief Minister informed the Union Minister that farmers cultivating HD Burley and White Burley tobacco this season are facing severe difficulties due to falling prices. He said that the state government has already initiated procurement measures and has decided to procure 20 million kg of tobacco at an estimated cost of Rs 300 crore. He mentioned that seven procurement centres have been set up through the AP Markfed in Bapatla, Guntur, Palnadu, and Prakasam districts.

He requested that Rs 150 crore be provided through the Tobacco Board for procurement. The CM said tobacco has been cultivated in 1.31 lakh hectares this year—an increase over the previous year. He explained that reduced international demand for tobacco has led to price drops, adversely affecting farmers. CM Chandrababu Naidu urged for amendments to bring tobacco production and marketing fully under the Tobacco Board’s purview.

The CM highlighted that the reduction in import duty on crude palm oil is impacting domestic farmers. He pointed out that slashing the duty to 10 per cent is denying palm oil farmers fair prices. He urged the Centre to retain the earlier duty structure and noted that the duty cut could hamper the objectives of the National Mission on Edible Oils.

The CM told the Union Minister that 8 lakh aqua farmers in Andhra Pradesh are suffering due to tariffs imposed by the US on aqua exports.

He requested that the Centre hold talks with US authorities to reduce the 27 per cent tariff on aqua products. CM Naidu urged the Centre to take proactive steps to relieve the tariff burden and help aqua farmers recover from this crisis. He also pointed out that hatcheries, feed mills, processing units, and exporters are all affected by these tariffs.

The Union Minister was also urged to reduce GST on mango pulp from 12 per cent to 5 per cent. Naidu stated that GST on mango jelly (mamidi thandra) is currently 5 per cent, and a similar rate should apply to mango pulp as well. A GST reduction would benefit both mango farmers and the pulp industry.

–IANS

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MP rainfall: CM Yadav reviews situation at state command centre, says over 2,900 people rescued

Bhopal, July 30 (IANS) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, on Wednesday, chaired a high-level meeting to review the relentless rainfall, which led to a flood-like situation in several districts for the last two to three days in the state, government officials said.

The Chief Minister held a meeting with senior administrative and police officials at the Disaster Control Room (State Command Centre) at Police Headquarters in Bhopal and conducted a detailed review public safety management.

After completing the review meeting, Chief Minister Yadav told that as of now, more than 2,900 people stranded in flood-affected areas have been rescued from different parts of the state, while the operation was still underway in some flood-affected areas.

“All stranded people in flood-affected areas are being rescued and they are being shifted at a safer place. All are being provided with assistance. The Central government has extended its support in rescue operation for two districts (Guna and Ashoknagar),” he said.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister also appealed the people of Madhya Pradesh to be careful as heavy rainfall is predicted in the next few days.

“I would urge the people of Madhya Pradesh not to panic, but to be careful during the monsoon. The state government is monitoring the situation and is committed to ensure the safety of every citizen,” he added.

There has been heavy rainfall since Monday in several districts of Madhya Pradesh, however, Guna, Ashoknagar, Shivpuri, Sagar, Raisen, Vidisha and Bhopal have been most affected.

People stranded in flood-affected areas in Guna and Shivpuri districts are being are airlifted by the Indian Air Force (IAF).

The National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Fund along with district administration and police have also been carrying out rescue operations in Guna, Ashoknagar and Shivpuri districts of Gwalior-Chambal region.

Meanwhile, State BJP President Hemant Khandelwal, on Wednesday, has also appealed to the party workers to come forward to support flood-affected people in their respective districts and blocks.

Earlier on Wednesday, Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said that people stranded in flood-affected areas in his Lok Sabha constituency in Madhya Pradesh’s Guna are being airlifted by the IAF.

The Union Minister said that he had telephonic conversation with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Air Vice Marshal Vikram Gaur and Air Officer Commanding Manish Sharma and have requested them for all possible help to rescue people stranded in flood-affected areas.

“I am also in constant touch with district administration, NDRF, and the Madhya Pradesh government. The safety of every citizen is our key responsibility. All our continuous efforts are dedicated in that direction,” Union Minister Scindia wrote on social media platform X.

According to reports, more than 50 people are still stranded in flood-affected areas (especially in Kolaras and Badnawar areas) in Guna and Shivpuri district.

There have been constant rainfall in Gwalior-Chambal region for the last three days.

–IANS

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Former IAS officer Shantmanu appointed new J&K State Election Commissioner

Jammu, Feb 17 (IANS) Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor (L-G), Manoj Sinha, on Tuesday, appointed former senior IAS officer, Shantmanu as the State Election Commissioner for the Union Territory, officials said.

An order issued by the Lok Bhawan said, “In exercise of the powers conferred by Sub-Section (3) of Section 36 of the Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act, 1989, the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir is pleased to appoint Shantmanu, IAS (retd.) as the State Election Commissioner for Jammu and Kashmir under the said Act.

“He (Shantmanu) will hold the position of State Election Commissioner of Jammu and Kashmir for a period of five years or till he attains the age of 70, whichever is earlier.”

“The appointment of State Election Commissioner will take effect from the date, former senior IAS officer Shantmanu assumes the charge. The terms and conditions of his appointment will be notified by the government subsequently,” the order issued by L-G Sinha said.

Shantmanu retired as the Financial Commissioner (Additional Chief Secretary) of Jammu and Kashmir on December 31, 2025.

B.R. Sharma, an IAS officer of 1984 batch, who retired from service on April 30, 2020, was earlier appointed as the Jammu and Kashmir State Election Commissioner and he demitted office last year.

With the appointment of Shantmanu as the State Election Commissioner, way has been paved for holding of Panchayat elections in Jammu and Kashmir.

These elections are now likely to be held later this year as the term of elected Panches and Sarpanches ended in the Union Territory on January 9, 2024.

The elected representatives (around 30,000) for the 4,291 panchayats had taken office on January 10, 2019, following elections held in late 2018.

With the end of their term, the panchayat bodies ceased to exist, and the administration of the panchayat funds was suspended.

The District Development Councils (DDCs), another tier of the Panchayati Raj system, in Jammu and Kashmir are set to conclude their terms on February 24, 2026.

–IANS

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