1. The Arunachal Pradesh government approves the creation of Keyi Panyor and Bichom districts ahead of elections.
2. Chief Minister Pema Khandu chairs the cabinet meeting endorsing the Arunachal Pradesh (Reorganization of Districts) (Amendment) Bill, 2024.
3. Total district count in the state to reach 28 with the addition of Keyi Panyor and Bichom districts.
Itanagar, Feb 06: Ahead of the upcoming assembly elections, the BJP-led government in Arunachal Pradesh has given the green light for the formation of two new districts, Keyi Panyor and Bichom, bringing the total count of districts in the state to 28.
The decision, made during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pema Khandu, saw the endorsement of the Arunachal Pradesh (Reorganization of Districts) (Amendment) Bill, 2024. The creation of these districts is slated to be introduced in the upcoming legislative assembly session starting on February 8.
According to government spokesperson Bamang Felix, the Keyi Panyor district will be formed by dividing the Lower Subansiri district, with its headquarters situated in Yachuli. Emphasizing the importance of respecting traditional boundaries, Felix urged both communities to prioritize public interest.
Additionally, 67 posts have been created, comprising Group A, Group B non-gazetted, Group C, MTS, and ALCs.
Meanwhile, the Bichom district will be carved out from East Kameng and West Kameng districts, with Napangphung designated as the district headquarters.
This move aims to improve accessibility to remote areas and expedite economic development through the Seva Aapke Dwar 2.0 initiative.
Covering 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.
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Notable villages from West Kameng to be included are Nafra, Upper Dzong, Lower Dzong, Ditchik, Rurang, Nachibon, Nakhu, Dibrick Wothung, Sanchipam, Khellong, and more. Meanwhile, villages like Pitchang, Kajung, Chijang, Kadeya, Sapung, Pochung, and others from East Kameng will fall under the new district.
The state cabinet has also sanctioned various 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 surveying and preparing DPR for the construction of a road from NH-13 to Richukrong Circle headquarters to improve connectivity.
Felix clarified that the existing Bana EAC headquarters will remain as EAC headquarters without being demoted to the status of the circle, and the status quo shall be maintained against the ZPM of Bana block.
With the creation of the proposed district, the state cabinet has approved the creation of various categories of posts, ensuring there will be no surrender of any existing posts.
Additionally, the cabinet approved the Arunachal Pradesh Lokayukta (Amendment) Bill 2024 and the Amendment of the Arunachal Pradesh (Land Settlement and Records) Act 2000 (Act No. 10 of 2000), which will be tabled in the ensuing budget session for discussion and assent.
