Expectations high from APU: Mein

*Deputy Chief Minister attends the inaugural function of the first annual APUFEST 2024*

PASIGHAT, Feb 25: Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein attended the inaugural programme of the first annual festival ‘APUFEST 2024’, of lone state-owned Arunachal Pradesh University (APU), held here on Sunday.

Addressing the gathering, Mein said that the citizens of Arunachal Pradesh have high expectations from the lone state-owned University, towards advancing the scope of higher education for their children. He assured the university priority support of the government for the creation and expansion of novel areas of study and research.

Acknowledging that the initial five years are the most crucial tenure for the development of any institution, Mein said the state government has made an initial funding of Rs 17.45 crore in the year 2018-19 for infrastructure development of the University and Rs 279 lakh for construction of the academic block during the financial year 2023-24 and also provided grants-in-aid of Rs. 10 crore to the University from the state government.

He called for judicious implementation of the fund for the development of the university campus.

Besides, Mein also stressed the importance of inculcating discipline and promoting ethical work culture in the university. He stated that discipline, regularity, honesty and sincerity must be imbibed in the working culture of a university, lending it an ambient academic atmosphere conducive to personal and professional growth.

“Such an atmosphere can go on to become a model for all other institutions to emulate,” he added.

APU started its first academic batch in 2023 with a vision to elevate the standards of higher education in the state. At present, the University has been offering post-graduation courses (Master’s degree) in five subjects namely, Commerce and Arts (Economics, Education, Social Work, and Tribal Studies) since last year and is steadily continuing its journey towards expanding the horizon of academics, research and entrepreneurship in the state, and emerging as a beacon of excellence, nurturing future leaders and fostering innovation in the realm of higher education.

Among others, the event was also attended by Arunachal East MP (Lok Sabha) Tapir Gao, MLAs Kaling Moyong and Kento Rina, Chief Councillor of Pasighat Municipal Council, Okiam Moyong Borang, DC East Siang Tayi Taggu, SP East Siang Sumit K. Jha, and Vice Chancellor of APU, Tomo Riba.