ITANAGAR, Feb 8: Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Friday made major announcements to strengthen the institution of gaon burah (GB) and to ensure the welfare of the GBs in general.
Attending a meeting of the All Arunachal Pradesh Gaon Burah Welfare Association at Upper Dobam village here, Pema informed that the monthly honorarium of the GBs has been increased from Rs 1000 to Rs 1500, and of the head gaon burahs from Rs 1500 to Rs 2000.
“A notification regarding the hike has already been released on Thursday,” he said.
Besides the hike in the monthly honorarium, the CM said, it will be made mandatory to invite all GBs to every development meeting organized by the government offices. “This will enable the GBs to be part of the decision-making,” he said.
On death benefits, the CM announced that in case of accidental death, the immediate family of the deceased GB will receive Rs 6 lakhs, and in case of natural death, the amount is Rs 2 lakhs.
“Every GB will be insured under the PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana to avail these benefits,” he said.
The CM also announced that every district will have an “office-cum-guest house” for GBs, and assured to place funds for their urgent construction. He further announced to disburse Rs 2000 to every GB every two years for purchasing red coats.
“The institution of GB cannot be compared with other institutions as it occupies a respectable position in the society. The GBs have an important role to play in bringing peace and harmony in the society. Through their wisdom and knowledge they are adept at resolving conflicts at the local level, thus giving great assistance to the government in administering the areas,” Pema said.
He said that, with the two-tier system, the GBs would have a greater say in matters of local development.
Earlier, the CM inaugurated the office-cum-guesthouse for the GBs, and commended the formation of the association. He said the GBs would be given orientation training to make them more aware about their roles and responsibilities.
The CM assured to provide fund for the construction of a boundary wall and for the development of the Nyokum ground in the association’s premises, and promised to supply materials such as furniture, office stationery, etc, for the office. (CMO)
