Itanagar, Nov 9 (NationPress) Arunachal Pradesh's Chief Minister Pema Khandu announced on Sunday that the state government will offer 100 percent scholarships for Scheduled Tribes youths who gain admission into all undergraduate programs at IITs, along with 75 percent scholarships for up to 10 aspiring pilots each year pursuing commercial pilot licenses.

While inaugurating the annual college week celebration at Dera Natung Government College (DNGC) in Itanagar, the Chief Minister revealed that an additional 10 youths will receive support annually for training and certification in merchant navy courses.

Furthermore, he stated that full scholarships would also be available for tribal youths from Arunachal Pradesh who secure admission into undergraduate and postgraduate programs at the top 150 global universities according to the QS rankings.

CM Khandu highlighted several key initiatives, including the Arunachal Pradesh Entrepreneurship Development Programme (APEDP), Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Swavalamban Yojana, Atmanirbhar Arunachal, Chief Minister's Paryatan Vikas Yojana, Chief Minister's Vidya Scheme, and the Chief Minister's Talent Hunt and Youth Engagement Programmes.

These initiatives aim to equip the youth with essential skills, confidence, and opportunities to significantly contribute to the state's development.

“This August, we adopted the State Youth Policy 2025, which outlines nine key goals for youth development, including quality education, employment, entrepreneurship, skills, sports, culture, and civic engagement,” he added.

Encouraging students to become the torchbearers of a new Arunachal Pradesh, CM Khandu urged them to take pride in the state’s rich tribal heritage, embrace values of unity and respect, and stand firm against drug abuse, corruption, and gender discrimination.

He also motivated students to actively engage in the activities of the DNGC College Week, emphasizing that such events foster leadership, creativity, teamwork, and cultural understanding among the youth.

The Chief Minister praised DNGC for its notable contributions to higher education over the past 46 years and for shaping the lives and careers of numerous individuals who now serve the state and nation with distinction.

Established in 1979 and renamed in 2001 in honor of the late Dera Natung, a visionary Education Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, the college continues to uphold his legacy of learning, enlightenment, and empowerment.

He expressed satisfaction with the college's inclusive approach, noting that girls' enrollment is at 51.33 percent, surpassing that of boys, and that 91 percent of enrolled students are tribal, highlighting the institution's role in empowering indigenous youth.

CM Khandu also congratulated the principal, faculty, and organizing committee of DNGC for their unwavering dedication in nurturing future leaders.

Attending the event were local legislator Techi Kaso and Deputy Commissioner Toko Babu, among others.