Itanagar: The vibrant state of Arunachal Pradesh witnessed an important milestone as Chief Minister Pema Khandu assumed the helm of the 11th cabinet meeting. This significant gathering brought forth crucial decisions aimed at enhancing the well-being of the people and propelling the state's progress.
Embarking on his eighth year as the Chief Minister of the state, Pema Khandu embarked on this pivotal cabinet meeting. The state government's official press note highlighted that this gathering marked an auspicious occasion as it coincided with India's 75th anniversary of Independence, known as Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.
In an extraordinary move, the state cabinet pledged to extend special remission to prisoners belonging to specific categories, immortalizing the spirit of India's independence. Subject to approval by the governor, four male prisoners serving sentences in correctional facilities will be liberated on the forthcoming Independence Day.
Education emerged as a focal point during the extensive discussions held by the cabinet. The education commissioner provided an insightful briefing, shedding light on the steady advancement of the state's educational landscape despite prevailing challenges.
Several noteworthy achievements in the field of education were celebrated, including a remarkable reduction in the dropout rate from 9% in 2016 to an impressive 2.3% in 2022, well below the national average. The availability of pre-primary classes in schools soared to 27% in 2022 from a mere 3% in 2016. Moreover, the state witnessed a commendable increase in the deployment of teachers in schools, with 90% compliance with prescribed norms compared to a meager 24% in 2016.
The transformative impact of education extended further, encompassing the establishment of 840 Early Childhood Care Centers under the Samagra Shiksha initiative. Additionally, 50 government schools are poised for elevation to Golden Jubilee Schools, while 118 government upper primary schools have become Building as Learning Aid (BaLA) compliant.
Notably, the state has embraced progressive measures to promote girls' education, setting up 50 dedicated Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas and attaching 36 KGBVs to higher secondary schools. Furthermore, a new Sainik School has been established in Tawang under the PPP (Public-Private Partnership) mode, complementing the existing institution in Niglok.
The government's unwavering commitment to holistic education is evident through the inclusion of vocational courses in Tourism, Hospitality, and IT in 99 government higher secondary schools and 70 government secondary schools under Samagra Shiksha. Moreover, to preserve the cultural heritage of the state, a collection of books featuring local folk tales has been developed for eight tribes, namely Nyishi, Galo, Tagin, Wanchu, Tangsa, Idu Mishmi, Taraon Mishmi, and Kaman Mishmi.