ES Reporter 
 
ITANAGAR, Sep  8: Social activist, Payi Gyadi, has made a significant stride in the pursuit of justice by successfully filing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) against alleged irregularities at the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Jote. The High Court, Itanagar branch, has accepted the PIL and issued a notice to the concerned authorities.
Addressing the media at the press club in Itanagar, Payi Gyadi stated that the motive behind filing the PIL was to safeguard the land allocated for NIT Jote from potential encroachment. He revealed that although 301 acres of land was originally allocated for the institute, approximately 200 acres is currently unaccounted for. The NIT Director had also reported this issue to the Deputy Commissioner of Yupia.
Gyadi highlighted that this matter had been brought to the attention of the authorities multiple times in the past. The Director of the institute had initially reported the discrepancy in 2012, and the Registrar of the Institute had also recorded the matter. However, there has been no response or resolution till date.
"Through the Right to Information (RTI) Act, we discovered a significant disparity in the land allotted to NIT. Additionally, there are two land allotment documents for NIT – one, a 301-acre map without any signatures from the issuing authorities, and the other, a 352-acre map with all the requisite signatures," Gyadi stated. These irregularities have been presented before the High Court for investigation.
During his recent visit to the institute, Gyadi engaged with students and authorities who voiced concerns about various irregularities and the lack of basic infrastructure. He emphasized that his objective is to ensure that students coming from all corners of the country to pursue their education in the state do not face obstacles. The absence of a playground, inadequate drinking water supply, limited internet connectivity, electricity shortages, and a lack of administrative infrastructure were among the issues highlighted.
"It is essential to understand that these facilities cannot be provided without sufficient land for the institute. Even with adequate funding, land is the foundation for comprehensive development," he added. An FIR has also been registered with the State Information Commission (SIC) regarding missing files related to appointments at NIT.
However, the SIC has clarified that NIT falls under the jurisdiction of the central government, and only the central authorities can address the matter. Consequently, the SIC has forwarded the complaint to the central government for investigation.
Gyadi further revealed that he had brought the matter before the State Lokayukta board, but they declined to pursue it, stating that NIT's funding is allocated by the central government and should therefore be handled by them. Gyadi remains committed to pursuing this matter, from the state level to the central government in New Delhi.
He stressed the urgent need for a dedicated CBI office in the state and the establishment of a robust Lokayukta body capable of handling major cases effectively.

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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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