77th Republic Day Celebrated in East Siang ; DC Highlights Major Developmental Milestones
PASIGHAT, January 26, 2026: The 77th Republic Day was celebrated with patriotic zeal across East Siang district, with Deputy Commissioner Ms. Sonalika Jiwani, IAS, attending as Chief Guest at Outdoor Stadium, Pasighat. She highlighted the significance of the occasion and spoke on the district’s achievements in infrastructure transformation, urban governance, livelihood generation, public service delivery, health and education towards inclusive and sustainable growth. She urged collective efforts to make the district one of the best-performing in all development sectors and an economic and investment hub, meeting the expectations and aspirations of the people, especially the youth. Padma Shri Yanung Jamoh Lego and Pasighat MLA Tapi Darang attended as Guest of Honour and Special Guest, respectively.
Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Commissioner stated that East Siang is undergoing unprecedented transformation across sectors, with Pasighat Smart City emerging as a model urban centre offering improved civic amenities, modern infrastructure and enhanced quality of life. Of the 43 Smart City projects, 41 have been completed, while the remaining Foot Over Bridge (FOB) and Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) are nearing completion. She noted that landmark projects such as the Siang Riverfront, Smart Guest House and Recreation Centre have been successfully tendered for sustainable operation and revenue generation.
She commended the East Siang District Police for impactful youth and child safety initiatives under Mission VADA, Mission Parivartan, Siang Shakti and Project Muskaan, covering 16,214 students across 92 schools.
Highlighting urban governance reforms, the DC congratulated the Pasighat Municipal Council (PMC) for successful implementation of “De:naam Anam Pasighat,” a district administration cleanliness and sanitation initiative that has strengthened solid waste management, hygiene standards and citizen participation. She expressed hope that the initiative would be further expanded to make Pasighat a clean and sustainable city.
Earlier, the Deputy Commissioner inspected the ceremonial march past and took the salute from contingents of East Siang District Police, NCC, Sainik School and student groups, commending their performance. On the occasion, Ms. Jiwani and MLA Tapi Darang, in the presence of State BJP President Kaling Moyong, Padma Shri Yanung Jamoh Lego, Chief Councillor PMC Tagom Padung, Deputy Chief Councillor Kamin Lego, ZPC Ruth Tabing Boko and Smt. Dui Gao, unveiled the biography of Lok Sabha MP Shri Tapir Gao and presented appreciation and commendation certificates to individuals and teams from various departments for exemplary service.
Congratulating the newly elected PMC team and PRI members, the DC lauded the peaceful and democratic conduct of the elections and acknowledged the contributions of polling officials, police personnel, security forces and citizens. She expressed confidence that the new leadership would bring innovative governance initiatives at both urban and rural levels.
On infrastructure development, Ms. Jiwani highlighted key projects including NF Railway expansion, four-lane highway construction from Ruksin to Oyan and POWERGRID transmission projects. She noted that the district has achieved 100 percent electrification under Saubhagya, completed IPDS works and strengthened power distribution networks.
On livelihood generation, she informed that ArSLM East Siang has identified 179 Lakhpati Didis, with 118 SHGs receiving revolving funds and 1,068 women covered under Mahila Kisan initiatives. Under MGNREGA, 2.99 lakh person-days of employment were generated till December 2025.
She emphasised that the youth and women of East Siang are increasingly empowered through SHGs and schemes like the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Swavlamban Yojana, fostering entrepreneurship, skill development and self-reliance. The administration is also promoting Eri Silk production and the Sille–Oyan textile cluster, encouraging the use of local products to support local entrepreneurs.
Terming education a key priority, she stressed improving learning outcomes through focused interventions, strengthening Mid-Day Meal schemes, teacher training and a holistic roadmap for quality education.
East Siang has been declared an ODF-Free district, with 18 villages achieving ODF Plus status. Agriculture and allied sectors remain the backbone of the local economy, with farmers benefitting under various schemes. An irrigation project covering 250 hectares is expected to benefit 1,050 farmers across Ngorlung, Niglok, Lingka and Ruksin villages.
In health and social welfare, the district has achieved zero malaria cases and strengthened maternal and child health services. The upgradation of Bakin Pertin General Hospital into a 300-bedded facility is underway.
Cultural displays, a “Know Your Army” exhibition organised by the Indian Army and a Mallakhamb performance were highlights of the celebrations.
As part of the Republic Day programme, the Spearhead Division of Spear Corps organised a “Know Your Army” campaign, offering civilians an opportunity to learn about the Army’s role and capabilities. Students and NCC cadets participated enthusiastically and gained exposure to military structure, operations and modern equipment.
Among awardees, East Siang District Police was recognised under Project Muskaan for child safety. MEO PMC Jayanti Pertin, ADIO Shashi Kant, educators, health workers and Roying village (declared a Drug-Free Village) were also honoured.
The Best March Past Award was won by Sainik School, Niglok, followed by Senior NCC of JN College. Best Stall Exhibition Awards were given to ArSLM Stall and Textile & Handicraft Stall. In cultural performances, Donyi-Polo Vidya Niketan and D. Ering Government Higher Secondary School, Pasighat secured first and second positions, respectively.
