Arunachal Pradesh University a Top Priority, Assures CM Pema Khandu at APUFEST 2026
Pasighat (Arunachal Pradesh) : Chief Minister Pema Khandu reaffirmed that Arunachal Pradesh University, the state’s first state-owned university, remains a top priority for the Government of Arunachal Pradesh, assuring continued support for infrastructure expansion, academic growth, and institutional strengthening.
Inaugurating the 3rd edition of the Arunachal Pradesh University Festival (APUFEST) 2026 in Pasighat on Thursday afternoon, Khandu recalled that although the Arunachal University Act was passed in 2012, the institution remained dormant for several years. He said the university was revived from scratch after the present government assumed office, with focused planning on its location, infrastructure, and operational framework.
The Chief Minister noted that the university became operational in 2022 with the inauguration of its administrative block, followed by the appointment of its first Vice Chancellor, Prof. Tomo Riba. Academic sessions began the same year, and the first batch of students has already graduated, with the convocation presided over by the Governor, who also serves as the university’s Chancellor.
Commending Vice Chancellor Prof. Riba, Registrar Nani Darang, and the faculty and staff, Khandu said building an institution from the ground up is challenging but acknowledged the significant progress made within three years. He expressed satisfaction over the pace of infrastructure development and said the campus was nearing completion, enabling the university to move toward higher academic standards.
Referring to a memorandum submitted by students and suggestions from the Vice Chancellor, the Chief Minister assured that all genuine requirements would be addressed. He said infrastructure development would remain a priority and entrusted the Education Minister with personal responsibility to guide the university’s growth.
With the state budget approaching and senior officials present, including the Chief Secretary and Education Commissioner, Khandu assured that identified gaps would be addressed in the upcoming budget.
Highlighting the need for land expansion, he said the university was initially planned on around 100 acres, which now appears insufficient for future growth. He urged local MLAs, the district administration, and community leaders to facilitate additional land allocation, stating that limited space could hinder infrastructure and academic expansion. As the first state university, he said, it must have “unlimited scope” for development.
Khandu also called for a review and reorientation of the university’s master plan in consultation with professional architectural firms to develop a campus capable of attracting foreign students. He emphasized strengthening both infrastructure and faculty quality simultaneously and directed the Education Commissioner to assess faculty and staff shortages and place proposals before the Cabinet in a time-bound manner.
Speaking on broader education reforms, the Chief Minister said Arunachal Pradesh is undergoing significant transformation in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which is to be fully implemented by 2030. He said around 700 unviable schools have been closed as part of efforts to improve planning and quality in education.
He informed that Arunachal University currently runs 11 academic departments and offers PhD programmes in disciplines such as Commerce, Economics, Education, Social Work, and Travel Studies. Assuring continued government investment, he also announced plans to develop sports infrastructure on campus, with provisions to be included in the upcoming budget.
Referring to the vision of “Viksit Bharat 2047,” Khandu stressed that development must reach every state, district, and village, and said students would play a crucial role in achieving this goal. He encouraged youth to contribute to nation-building through careers in public service, entrepreneurship, agriculture, and other sectors.
Khandu highlighted Arunachal Pradesh’s resource potential and said its youth would be the driving force by 2047. He also revealed that discussions are underway for student and faculty exchange programmes between institutions in Arunachal Pradesh and Japan.
Earlier, the Chief Minister inaugurated the newly constructed Academic Block ‘A’ on the university campus. Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, Law & Justice Minister Kento Jini, legislators, district officials, and university faculty were also present at the event.
