Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen K T Parnaik (Retd) on Thursday emphasised the need for discipline, self-motivation and professional commitment among faculty members of Arunachal Pradesh University (APU) to strengthen academic standards and institutional culture at the state's lone university.

Assuring support, the governor said the concerns raised by the teaching community would be given due consideration in consultation with the state government and university authorities.

Parnaik, who also serves as the chancellor of the university, interacted with faculty members during a meeting held after APU's first convocation at Pasighat in East Siang district.

State Education Commissioner Amjad Tak and Vice-Chancellor Prof. Tomo Riba were also present at the event.

During the interaction, the Arunachal Pradesh University Teachers' Association (APUTA) submitted a memorandum to the governor highlighting key issues related to academic infrastructure and faculty welfare.

The association sought a one-time grant to upgrade departmental facilities, including modern laboratories, ICT-enabled classrooms, and improved library resources, to meet accreditation standards and ensure quality education.

APUTA also urged enhancement of the retirement age of university teachers to 65 years in line with UGC norms, besides implementation of pending UGC-mandated allowances such as medical, children's education, and hostel subsidies, citing the high cost of healthcare and education outside the state.

APUTA president Dr. Eli Doye thanked the governor for his assurance and said the demands aimed to build a conducive academic environment, attract and retain quality faculty, and ensure APU's progress in line with national norms and expectations.