HT Bureau
NAMSAI, May 27: The All Nyishi Youth Association (ANYA) has once again strongly reiterated its demand for the establishment of four additional digital examination centres for CUET aspirants in Arunachal Pradesh. The state currently has only four centres, and the organization has urged the Arunachal Pradesh government to take proactive steps in preparing necessary infrastructure well in advance to facilitate the process.
Addressing the media, ANYA President Jamru Ruja said that the association has already met the state’s Education Minister, P.D. Sona, and submitted a detailed memorandum regarding the matter. Ruja stressed that while the issue is serious, it is indeed feasible, provided the central government takes into account the unique geographical challenges of Arunachal Pradesh and the fact that the state shares international borders with three countries.
Related Posts:
Highlighting the hardships faced by students, Ruja said that hundreds of students from remote and far-flung districts of Arunachal are forced to travel to the state capital Itanagar, and due to the shortage of examination centres, many are assigned centres located in various parts of Assam. As a result, students appearing for the CUET (Common University Entrance Test) 2025 are facing several logistical and financial challenges.
According to Ruja, the lack of sufficient computer-based exam centres in Arunachal Pradesh has become a pressing concern. This inadequacy has compelled candidates to journey to distant exam locations outside the state, especially in Assam, leading to significant hardship not just for the students, but for their families as well. He cited recent incidents where students faced problems at centres in Dibrugarh and even in Guwahati, reflecting the ongoing difficulties in managing the examination logistics.
Ruja further added that numerous students have reportedly missed their exams due to issues such as poor transportation, financial constraints, insufficient information, and the inaccessibility of exam centres. He expressed concern over the evident digital infrastructure gap in the state, questioning how such basic facilities remain inadequate even in the year 2025.
He emphasized the importance of the state government being prepared. “We are hopeful that the Union Government may approve or recommend approval for new digital centres. But for that to happen, the State Government must be ready with identified locations and infrastructure details, so that when a query arises from the Centre, they can respond promptly,” Ruja stated.
ANYA concluded its statement with a firm demand for budget allocation in the upcoming Budget Estimate or Revised Estimate for the financial year 2025-26 to set up government-run digital/computer examination centres in each district of Arunachal Pradesh. The organization believes that such a move would not only address the current concerns of the students but also promote the long-term development of digital education infrastructure across the state.
Meanwhile, reacting to the demand, Education and RWD Minister P.D. Sona acknowledged that the representatives of ANYA had approached him recently. He confirmed that a meeting was held to discuss the matter. “At present, there are four digital centres in the state, namely at NIT, NERIST, RGU, and Model Village iON Digital Zone, all of which are situated near the state capital. These are clearly not sufficient to meet the needs of students from remote districts,” the Minister said.
He further informed that the demand for four additional centres in other parts of the state has been officially received and taken seriously. “Since the authority to approve such centres lies with the Central Government, I have already written a letter to the Union Education Minister drawing attention to the matter,” said Sona.
The Minister expressed optimism that the central government would consider the proposal favorably, keeping in mind the importance of educational equity and accessibility for all students across Arunachal Pradesh. He added that the state government is ready to respond promptly once a query or follow-up is received from the central authorities.
