IIT Delhi and KPMP sign LoI
NEW DELHI, 19 Sep: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi and the Keyi Panyor Mission Plan (KPMP) 2040 initiative have signed a letter of intent (LoI), formally initiating the process of establishing a centre of excellence in support of the long-term development priorities of Keyi Panyor district in Arunachal Pradesh.
The LoI was signed and exchanged at IIT Delhi on 18 September by Yachuli MLA and political champion of KPMP 2040 Toko Tatung and IIT Delhi Corporate Relations Dean Prof Jayant Jain during the IIT Delhi's CSR Conclave 2026.
The LoI provides the basis for IIT Delhi and KPMP 2040 to jointly identify the proposed centre's thematic priorities, research programmes, governance arrangements and areas of technical cooperation.
The detailed structure and programmes will be developed through further discussions and required institutional and governmental approvals, said an official release.
Tatung attended the PSU leadership session on 'Driving Innovation, Technology and Nation Building'. The session brought together senior representatives of public sector institutions, including the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, Konkan Railway Corporation, Grid Controller of India, GAIL, Indian Oil Corporation and NETRA of NTPC, along with the chief manager of SBI, IITD.
In his address, Tatung highlighted the KPMP 2040 as a long-term, participatory development framework covering 20 thematic areas. He spoke about Keyi Panyor's objective of becoming a "bio-happy district" by improving livelihoods and public services while protecting its forests, water sources, biodiversity and indigenous ways of life.
He also presented a comprehensive action plan for education (CAPE) and highlighted its emphasis on recognising teachers as central participants in the district's development.
Tatung invited the PSU leaders attending the conclave to explore CSR, technical and knowledge partnerships with Keyi Panyor.
The MLA also delivered a presentation with a video walkthrough of the proposed mini secretariat for Keyi Panyor. The proposed infrastructure draws inspiration from the traditional long houses of the Nyishi community and reflects the cultural ethos of the indigenous people of Keyi Panyor. The design has been conceived by eminent scenographer and Padma Bhushan awardee Rajeev Sethi, and has been approved by the Arunachal Pradesh government.
The KPMP delegation, led by Tatung, visited IIT Delhi's research and innovation facilities and examined work relating to healthcare, renewable and efficient energy systems, early-warning systems, robotics, artificial intelligence, and appropriate technologies.
The three-member delegation, comprising Tatung, KPMP CEO Vijayan MJ and KPMP Director Dr Mini Kochumbron, held discussions with deans, faculty members and departmental representatives, including Operations Deputy Director Prof Arvind K Nema, Prof Aaditeshwar Seth, Prof Jayant Jain, and Prof Ashwini K Agrawal.
A detailed interaction was held with Prof Vivek Kumar of IIT Delhi's Centre for Rural Development and Technology. The discussion examined the possible use of technical knowledge in participatory assessment of the district's land, water and livelihood resources.
Springshed protection, water security, waste management and technologies suited to Keyi Panyor's terrain and rural settlements were among the areas discussed, the release said.
IIT Delhi also organised a special meeting between Tatung and students from Arunachal studying at the institute, along with a few students from other Northeastern states. Tatung invited the students to remain connected with Arunachal and to consider contributing their knowledge and experience to the state and to initiatives such as KPMP 2040.
