ITANAGAR, Nov 9: Chief Minister Pema Khandu today declared open the Annual College Week Celebration of Dera Natung Government College (DNGC), Itanagar, the oldest and premier higher education institution of Arunachal Pradesh. 
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister lauded the college for its remarkable contribution to higher education over the last 46 years and for shaping the lives and careers of countless Arunachalees who today serve the state and the nation with distinction.
Established in 1979 and renamed in 2001 in memory of late Dera Natung, one of Arunachal Pradesh’s most visionary education ministers, the college continues to carry forward his legacy of ‘learning, enlightenment, and empowerment’.
The Chief Minister expressed satisfaction over the college’s inclusive approach, noting that girls’ enrolment stands at 51.33%, slightly higher than that of boys, and that 91% of enrolled students are APSTs, a clear indication of the institution’s role in empowering indigenous youth.
Highlighting the college’s adoption of the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020, Khandu commended DNGC for being among the first to implement the Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUP) introduced by Rajiv Gandhi University. From the next academic session, the college will operate four semesters simultaneously, allowing students to pursue a Four-Year UG Degree with Honours or Four-Year UG Degree with Research. This reform, he noted, will enable students to progress directly to PhD programmes, an opportunity previously unavailable at the undergraduate level.
The Chief Minister appreciated the dedication of the college faculty led by Principal Dr M Q Khan, half of whom hold doctoral degrees, and praised the institution’s commitment to fostering a culture of research, innovation, and critical thinking among students.
Recognizing the growing needs of the college, Khanduannounced that several major infrastructure projects are in progress, including a new Administrative Block, a 300-bedded Boys’ Hostel, a 100-bedded Girls’ Hostel, a Pre-Fabricated Badminton Court-cum-Judo-Karate Hall, and a Siddharth Community Hall with a seating capacity of 1,200 persons. Once completed, these facilities will significantly enhance the college’s academic environment and overall learning experience.
To a demand for compound wall for the college, Khandu assured to provide sanction for the same in immediate future. While informing that the government has approved two more departments for the college – sociology and mass communication -  in addition to the 14 existing departments, he said classrooms will be constructed immediately so that the new departments could function from the next academic session. 
Acknowledging that DNGC is under immense pressure catering to students beyond its capacity, Khandu reiterated the need to have one more college in the state capital region. He directed the local legislator and the deputy commissioner to start looking for a suitable site so that establishment of the new college can begin as soon as possible.
Detailing various initiatives of the government for students, the Chief Minister informed that the government will provide 100% scholarship for APST youth gaining admission into all Undergraduate Courses in IITs and 75% scholarship for obtaining Commercial Pilot Licenses for up to 10 aspiring youths every year.  Similarly, he said, 10 youths will be supported in obtaining training and certification for merchant navy courses every year.
He further informed that 100% scholarships will be provided to APST youth securing admission to undergraduate and postgraduate courses at the top 150 global universities of Q.S. Ranking. 
Khandu also cited various flagship initiatives such as theArunachal Pradesh Entrepreneurship Development Programme (APEDP), Deen Dayal Upadhyaya SwavalambanYojana, Atmanirbhar Arunachal, Chief Minister’s Paryatan Vikas Yojana, Chief Minister’s Vidya Scheme, and the Chief Minister’s Talent Hunt and Youth Engagement Programmes. He said these programmes are designed to equip youth with skills, confidence, and opportunities to contribute meaningfully to the development of the state.
“We have adopted the State Youth Policy 2025 this August, which is a comprehensive policy setting out nine youth-development goals including quality education, employment, entrepreneurship, skills, sports, culture and civic engagement,” he added.
Calling upon the students to be the torchbearers of a new Arunachal Pradesh, Khandu urged them to take pride in the state’s rich tribal heritage, uphold values of unity and respect, and stand firm against drug abuse, corruption, and gender discrimination. 
Encouraging students to actively participate in all activities of the College Week, he said such events help nurture leadership, creativity, teamwork, and cultural understanding among youth.
The Chief Minister also congratulated the Principal, faculty, and organizing committee of Dera Natung Government College for their continued dedication in nurturing the leaders of tomorrow.
Present on the occasion were local legislator Techi Kaso and deputy commissioner Toko Babu besides others.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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