HT Correspondent
ITANAGAR, July 10: The 3rd meeting of the Arunachal Pradesh Indigenous Affairs Council (APIAC) was convened in Itanagar on Thursday under the chairmanship of Home Minister and Minister of Indigenous Affairs, Mama Natung.
The meeting, which brought together newly inducted council members, focused on critical issues concerning the Department of Indigenous Affairs and outlined a roadmap for the promotion and protection of indigenous practices and institutions in the state.
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According to an official statement issued by the Department of Indigenous Affairs, the meeting marked a major step toward strengthening institutional mechanisms, streamlining administrative functions, and reviewing action points discussed during earlier APIAC meetings.
Addressing the media after the session, Minister Natung stated that the council took stock of the Action Taken Report from the previous (1st and 2nd) meetings and discussed a range of new proposals and updates.
“This is the 3rd APIAC meeting, and we had detailed discussions on important issues relating to the department, including administrative reforms, education, religious freedom, and institutional development,” he said.
Among the key issues deliberated were the functioning and future expansion of Gurukul Schools in the state, the draft Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Rules, 2024, the proposal to rename the Department of Indigenous Affairs (DIA) as the Department of Indigenous Faith Affairs (DIFA), and matters concerning the various priest associations and societies active in the state.
The Minister informed that the Cabinet Note for the smooth functioning of Gurukul Schools was reviewed.
“Several new Gurukul Schools are in the pipeline this year, with financial support already committed by the state government,” Natung added, reaffirming the government’s support for traditional systems of value-based education.
The renaming of the Department of Indigenous Affairs to the Department of Indigenous Faith Affairs (DIFA) also came up for discussion.
Minister Natung clarified that the issue had been raised in previous meetings and would be further deliberated to ensure it reflects the spirit and scope of the department’s mission.
Addressing the concerns surrounding the growing number of indigenous priests and associated bodies, the Minister stressed the importance of unity and coordinated efforts.
“There are more than 3,000 priests in Arunachal Pradesh. My vision is clear — I want them to remain united. Different teams and associations have approached me, but they must work collectively for the welfare of our indigenous communities and the overall development of the state,” he said.
The meeting underscored the government’s commitment to preserving and promoting Arunachal Pradesh’s diverse indigenous heritage while ensuring institutional clarity and inclusiveness in policy implementation.
Minister Natung further reiterated that the Department of Indigenous Affairs would continue to serve as a vital channel to uphold cultural values and traditions and to empower native faith practitioners across the state.
The official statement noted that the APIAC will continue to meet regularly to monitor progress and ensure timely implementation of the decisions taken.
