GUWAHATI:
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, on June 17, hailed the National Education Policy (NEP) adopted by the central government, and said that it is one of the greatest reforms in the education sector.
Khandu said that the state government is committed to implementing NEP in a phased manner in all government schools of the state by 2030.
He also informed that the state government has spent about Rs 1,300 crore in developing the infrastructure of government schools across the state during the last financial year, and that more funds have been kept for the same this year.
The chief minister also proposed to the district administration, local officers and leaders to begin a coaching centre at Tawang so that local youths, who cannot afford to go outside the state or to the state capital, can prepare for competitive examinations held by UPSC and the APPSC. He assured that all three MLAs of the district will contribute from their respective MLA LAD funds for the noble purpose.
“Our youths are very talented. They have excelled in all sectors like sports, games, performing arts, music, etc. We are focusing to provide sufficient platforms to our youths to explore, expose and excel in their chosen fields,” he said at the inauguration of the Kunphen Jangchup Clinic at the Manjushree Vidyapeeth in Tawang.
Founded by Padmashree Lama Thupten Phuntsok, Manjushree Vidyapeeth has been offering formal education to children who have lost their parents or are too poor to afford it since 1998. The newly opened clinic will cater to the health services need of the children of the institute which today has more than 300 students.
To a request by Lama Thupten Phuntsok, Khandu assured to sanction funds for the construction of a multipurpose auditorium for the school within this financial year.
Khandu also recalled the initial stages of the institute, which, he said, has been hard due to a lack of sponsorship and grants-in-aid.
“Since the beginning, I have been personally associated with the institute. I have witnessed its difficult initial days and its success in tackling all hurdles to emerge as one of the best educational institutes in the district,” he said and heaped praise on the devotion and dedication of Lama Thupten Phuntsok, who steered the institute to its present status.
Khandu also recalled the help provided by the Indian Army in terms of men and machinery in land development for the institute’s foundations.
On behalf of the people of Arunachal Pradesh, the chief minister extended gratitude to Philanthropist Jeff Keplan and the US-based Deerfield Partnership Foundation and ‘friends’ of Manjushree Vidyapeeth for sponsoring the health clinic. He appreciated the district administration, district health authority and the Indian Army posted in the region for helping to make the clinic functional.
Also, present on the occasion were Tawang legislator Tsering Tashi, Commandant of the 190 Mountain Brigade, Deputy Commandant of 40 Brigade, officials of the district administration, public leaders and others.