Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh – Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Saturday announced a significant increase to the Dorjee Khandu merit scholarship. The top scholarship award has risen from Rs 35,000 to Rs 5 lakh . Khandu made the announcement while inaugurating new academic and administrative blocks at Dorjee Khandu Government College in Tawang.
The scholarship enhancement aims to encourage academic excellence. It also honors the legacy of Dorjee Khandu, the former Chief Minister and father of Pema Khandu. The new scholarship amounts are effective from the current academic year.
Scholarship Details
The Dorjee Khandu merit scholarship now offers substantially higher awards across three positions:
| Position | Old Scholarship Amount | New Scholarship Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Position | Rs 35,000 | Rs 5 lakh |
| 2nd Position | Rs 23,000 | Rs 3 lakh |
| 3rd Position | Rs 15,000 | Rs 2 lakh |
New College Infrastructure
Chief Minister Khandu dedicated the newly inaugurated academic and administrative blocks to students and faculty. The new infrastructure aims to support the next generation of thinkers and leaders from Arunachal Pradesh.
Dorjee Khandu Government College began in 2016 with temporary structures. Khandu commended Principal Dr. Yeshi Gyetsen and faculty for the college’s growth. He noted its transformation into a disciplined and result-oriented institution.
Education Policy and Staffing
Arunachal Pradesh is implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The state seeks to ensure access, equity, quality, affordability, and accountability in education. All educational institutions are being strengthened under this framework.
The state government is processing sanctions for additional faculty and ministerial staff at the college. Khandu responded to a memorandum from the college principal regarding these needs.
Campus Development and Performance
Khandu directed the Tawang Deputy Commissioner to coordinate on several college requirements. These include furniture procurement, boundary demarcation, and land allotment certification. Funds are assured for constructing a boundary wall.
The Chief Minister also proposed developing a dedicated playground for the college. This playground would be located near the Tawang Stadium. He suggested repurposing old structures in the vicinity. More infrastructure will be developed in phases.
Dorjee Khandu Government College boasts strong academic results. It has maintained over a 95% pass percentage in recent years. The college achieved a 100% pass rate in the last two academic sessions.
Khandu emphasized the importance of student discipline. He stated, "Discipline is the foundation of success."
Attendees at Inauguration
The inauguration ceremony included several state officials and legislators:
- Advisor (Education) Mutchu Mithi
- MLA Phurpa Tsering
- MLA Tsering Lhamu
- MLA Namgey Tsering
- Education Commissioner Amjad Tak