Arunachal Guv calls for strengthening NERIST, expresses concern over key issues
Itanagar, July 7
Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen K.T. Parnaik on Tuesday expressed concern over issues affecting the North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology and stressed the need for sustained and coordinated efforts to further strengthen the premier technical institution.
NERIST, the premier technical institution, has been experiencing turbulence in recent weeks following controversies over administrative and recruitment matters.
The developments culminated in the resignation of Director Prof. Narendranath S earlier amid an ongoing dispute over recruitment-related issues and disciplinary actions against certain officials.
The episode triggered protests and raised concerns over institutional governance and autonomy, prompting calls from various quarters for the restoration of a peaceful academic atmosphere and the uninterrupted continuation of academic activities at the institute.
The Governor also earlier held detailed discussions with State Home Minister Mama Natung on the prevailing law and order situation in the state, with particular focus on the recent developments at the NERIST, located at Nirjuli near Itanagar.
The state's Education Minister P.D. Sona, accompanied by Commissioner (Education), Amjad Tak, called on the Governor at Lok Bhavan and discussed the NERIST-related issues.
Lt Gen Parnaik (Retd) advised the Education Department to explore the establishment of Common University Entrance Test (CUET) examination centres within Arunachal Pradesh to provide greater convenience and equal opportunities to students.
A Lok Bhavan official said that they reviewed the overall educational scenario in Arunachal Pradesh and held detailed discussions on strengthening institutions of higher learning, with particular focus on the Jarbom Gamlin Government Law College at Jote in Papum Pare district.
The Governor emphasised measures to address existing challenges and improve academic, administrative, and infrastructural standards to better meet the aspirations of students and faculty members.
Drawing from his recent observations, the Governor also emphasised the need for timely corrective measures and accelerated infrastructure development at the Law College. He said that, as the only Government Law College in Arunachal Pradesh, the institution carries a special responsibility and must evolve into a model centre of legal education.
He expressed confidence that a strong and vibrant law college would produce competent legal professionals capable of contributing meaningfully to the state's judicial system, governance, and rule of law.
The Education Minister assured the Governor that corrective measures are being taken by the Department.
Appreciating the Department's reform-oriented approach, the Governor commended the Education Minister for implementing the rationalised teacher transfer system through the Teachers' Registry Portal.
He said that the initiative would enhance transparency, accountability, and equitable deployment of teachers across the state, ultimately contributing to improved learning outcomes and a stronger education system.
— IANS
Reader Comments
The resignation of Director Narendranath S is concerning - such leadership instability harms academic quality. But I'm glad the Governor is also focusing on the Law College. As the only govt law college in Arunachal, it needs all the support it can get. Transparent teacher transfers through portal is a smart move too. Let's hope corrective actions are swift.
As an outsider who's visited Arunachal, I'm impressed by the state's commitment to education despite geographical challenges. The Governor's advice on CUET centres is practical - students shouldn't have to travel hundreds of kilometers just to write an entrance exam. Infrastructure development at Law College is equally crucial. Hope these aren't just good intentions but lead to real action. 😊
Honest question - why did it take a Governor's intervention for basic things like CUET centres? The education department should have proactively worked on this. NERIST is a premier institute but recent internal disputes show governance gaps. The teacher transfer portal is a welcome step though - we need more transparency in our education system. Let's hope the Law College becomes a true model institution.
The Governor's emphasis on the Law College carrying a "special responsibility" is spot on. As the only government law college in the state, it must produce competent lawyers who understand local legal issues. The CUET centre proposal will be a game-changer - many students from Tawang, Changlang, and other districts can't afford to travel to Guwahati or Delhi for exams. Small steps but in the right direction. 👏
I wish the Governor had also addressed the root causes of the NERIST protests. Resignation of
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