ITANAGAR, Apr 26: Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Thursday launched Arunachal Cable Communication, which will provide HD digital cable TV connection. He also launched a new English daily, The Arunachal Herald.
“The launch of digital cable services will encourage media entrepreneurs to go for local news and entertainment channels in a state where such media have lesser presence,” the CM said.
Lauding the launch of the daily, the chief minister stressed the need to promote and support the media industry in the state, “as they act as the eyes and ears of the government.”
He welcomed constructive criticism from the media that would help the government to govern better.
The CM informed that Rs 3.5 crore have been announced in the budget for creating infrastructure facilities for the Arunachal Press Club in Itanagar.
“For the welfare of working journalists, enhancement in corpus fund has been made from Rs 1 crore to Rs 2 crore. For completion of Soochna Bhawan, Rs 4 crore is earmarked,” he said.
The CM also informed about the recent cabinet decision to have the state’s own advertisement policy.
The chief minister also informed about plans to develop about 100 smart villages in Arunachal. He recalled his recent visit to US, where he met Solomon Darwin, professor at the University of California, Berkeley, who is known for his development of “smart village” frameworks for Indian villages.
With support from the university, smart villages will be developed across the state in phases, the CM said, adding that the undertaking would require no heavy investment and would hugely benefit the local youths by way of skill development and job opportunities.
