Itanagar: With an eye on the upcoming assembly election, the state’s BJP government has granted approval for the establishment of two new districts, namely Keyi Panyor and Bichom, thereby increasing the total number of districts in the state to 28.
This decision emerged from a cabinet meeting led by Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Monday, where the Arunachal Pradesh (Reorganization of Districts) (Amendment) Bill, 2024 was endorsed.
The creation of these districts is slated for introduction during the forthcoming legislative assembly session, commencing on February 8.
Addressing a press conference at the civil secretariat here, government spokesperson Bamang Felix disclosed that the Keyi Panyor district, formed by dividing the Lower Subansiri district, will have its headquarters situated in Yachuli (Ter Gapin-Sam Sath area).
Felix emphasized that the cabinet has emphasized respecting traditional boundaries, urging both communities to prioritize public interest.
“As many as 67 posts have also been created consisting of Group A, Group B non-gazetted, Group C, MTS and ALCs,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Bichom district is set to be carved out from East Kameng and West Kameng districts, with Napangphung designated as the district headquarters.
The move aims to enhance accessibility to remote areas and expedite economic development through the Seva Aapke Dwar 2.0 initiative.
Encompassing an area of 2897 square kilometers and a population of 9710 (as per the 2011 census), the Bichom district will include 20 villages from West Kameng and 11 from East Kameng district.
The villages from West Kameng to be included into Bichom district include Nafra, Upper Dzong, Lower Dzong, Ditchik, Rurang, Nachibon, Nakhu, Dibrick Wothung, Sanchipam, Khellong, Khazalang, Lapusa, Nijung, West Sachung, Najang, Janaching, Sabang, Upper Challan and Lower Challan.
Meanwhile, the Pitchang, Kajung, Chijang, Kadeya, Sapung, Pochung, Afaksung, New Sapung, Yangsey, Yangpe and Pacherodong villages from East Kameng will fall under the new district.
The state cabinet also approved several initiatives for Bichom, addressing concerns in adjacent areas of East Kameng district.
These include funding for the Eklavya Model Residential School in Bana, issuance of Land Possession Certificates (LPCs) for land/farms of Nyishi individuals in the Aka area, and the survey and preparation of DPR for the construction of a road from NH-13 to Richukrong circle headquarters for improved connectivity.
Felix clarified the existing Bana EAC headquarters will remain as EAC headquarters without being demoted to the status of circle while status quo shall be maintained against ZPM of Bana block.
“With the creation of the proposed district, the state cabinet has approved the creation of various categories of posts therefore there will be no surrender of any existing posts,” the spokesperson said.
The cabinet on the day also approved the Arunachal Pradesh Lokayukta (Amendment) Bill 2024, and Amendment of the Arunachal Pradesh (Land Settlement and Records) Act 2000 (Act No. 10 of 2000).
These bills will be tabled in the ensuing budget session for discussion and assent.
To fortify fire and emergency services, the cabinet sanctioned 53 additional posts across various categories, to be deployed in heliports and airports under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS-UDAN). These include 5 station officers, 6 sub-fire officers, 12 head constables (drivers), and 30 firemen.
Furthermore, the cabinet gave the nod to the establishment of new judicial courts, with the creation of 103 posts spanning various categories
These include the creation of posts for one district and session judge, one additional district and session judge, 6 first class judicial magistrates, 80 ministerial staff and 15 contingency staff (paid posts).
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