Centre has special focus for Arunachal’s development: Governor
ITANAGAR, Feb 21: The central government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has a special focus and consideration for the development of the state, said Governor BD Mishra as Arunachal Pradesh celebrated its 33rd Statehood Day on Wednesday.
Addressing the people at IG Park here, the governor said, “We have achieved a lot in this direction, and credit for this goes to every citizen of the state who, under the leadership of the prime minister and Chief Minister Pema Khandu, contributed in assisting the government and the administration for the development in the state.”
Mishra said both the central and the state governments have been “making their best efforts to electrify every village, provide toilet in every house, road to every village, and gas connection to every kitchen.”
Reiterating his mantra for ensuring 100 percent transparent implementation of developmental projects, the governor urged the citizens to make sure that all the projects are implemented with honesty and accountability.
Sharing his concern about the education sector in the state, Mishra urged the people to see to it that every child above six years of age goes to school, and that teachers impart value-based education and are ready to serve in far-flung schools. He also suggested “rotation-based transfer of teachers of urban and rural areas.”
Paying tribute to the martyrs of the Pulwama terror attack, the governor expressed anguish that some of the youths of the state, particularly in the eastern districts of Arunachal, “are lured towards gun culture and drug culture.”
He appealed to them to return to the mainstream of society for their own wellbeing. He also cautioned youths against drug abuse, and advised them to “stand against this culture, which is destroying them, their families and the society.”
Earlier, the governor unfurled the national flag and took the salute from the guards of honour.
The governor also released a souvenir and launched the proceedings of the agricultural conclave.
Before declaring the three-day Festival of Arunachal open, the governor presented the state awards, the Chief Minister’s Excellence Awards in Civil Service, and the Dorjee Khandu Memorial Awards to people from different walks of life.
Traditional folkdances of various tribes were the highlights of the pageantry.
Participants from Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya presented a cultural programme under ‘Ek Bharat, shreshtha Bharat’, the Centre’s initiative that aims to improve the cultural connection across various states of India.
Later, the governor inaugurated the exhibition and food stalls.
The governor’s wife Neelam Misra, Deputy CM Chowna Mein, members of the state cabinet, Chief Secretary Satya Gopal, guests and invitees were present on the occasion.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu in his address said the time had come to uproot corruption from the society, “else it will start to eat into our system, making it weak and inefficient.”
“The taxpayers’ money is not meant for our pockets but for the development of our state,” Khandu said, and added that the old pattern of thinking must be done away with and progressive ideas adopted.
Emphasizing on proper policy and proper roadmaps for development, the CM said, “This task can be achieved if all the government machinery starts to work with team spirit with the clear objective of working for the welfare of the people.”
Khandu called upon the people of the state to chart a new course for the state – “a new direction whereby the dreams of the people that they saw when we first attained our statehood is fulfilled.”
Having crossed the journey of 33 years, the CM said, “it is time to ponder whether the dreams and expectations of the people been fulfilled.”
Statehood Day was also celebrated in various other parts of the state.
In Tawang, DC Sang Phuntsok unfurled the national flag and highlighted the government schemes being implemented by various departments in the district.
More then 27,570 villagers were benefitted from 24 rounds of Sarkar Aapke Dwar (SAD) camps conducted so far in the district, Phuntsok said, and informed that road construction work to connect border village Mago is in progress.
The DC also felicitated the best ASHAs, anganwadi workers and progressive farmers.
In Jairampur in Changlang district, MLA Laisam Simai unfurled the tricolour and highlighted the benefits provided by the government under various flagship programmes.
“Development is a continuous process and I will make sure it doesn’t stop midway,” he said.
In Upper Siang HQ Yingkiong, Health & Family Welfare Minister Alo Libang hoisted the national flag and highlighted the developmental activities and achievements under his leadership.
Libang urged the government officers to put their best efforts to develop the district. He also gave away prizes to the winner of various competitions.
Earlier, the minister inaugurated the SAD camp at the general ground.
Statehood Day was also celebrated in Tuting, Migging, Palling, Gelling, Singa, Jengging, Geku, Katan, Mopom and Mariyang.
In West Kameng HQ Bomdila, DC Sonal Swaroop highlighted the developmental activities being carried out in the district. She urged people from every walk of life to be partners in the development process.
Six government employees were awarded with cash and merit certificates in recognition of their public service.
In Tirap HQ Khonsa, DC PN Thungon highlighted the successful conduct of SAD camps and the ‘Arunachal Rising’ campaign. He said several major projects being taken up in the district are likely to be completed by March.
The DC and SP Jitendra Kumar Meena distributed prizes and awards to the achievers and winners of various competitions.
Statehood Day was also celebrated in Deomali, Lazu, Dadam, Borduria, Bari Basip and Soha administrative circles.
Earlier, on 19 February, 16 Assam Rifles Commandant Col Robin Kumar inaugurated the Indigenous Food Festival on the eve of the Statehood Day celebration at Nehru Stadium in Khonsa.
In Lohit HQ Tezu, SDO Kajal Karmakar highlighted the achievements of the state government in the district. He also paid tribute to the soldiers martyred in the Pulwama attack.
In Upper Subansiri HQ Daporijo, MLA Dikto Yekar unfurled the national flag and urged the people to cooperate with the administration in maintaining peace and harmony.
In Boleng in Siang district, former minister Tahung Tatak unfurled the national flag and urged everyone to avail the benefits of the flagship programmes and schemes of the state and central governments.
Sixty-two beneficiaries were provided free LPG connections under the Ujjwala Yojana, and 55 GBs were presented with gifts as a mark of appreciation for their services.
In Palin in Kra-Daadi district, the national flag was unfurled by ADC Millo Kojin, who urged the people to maintain harmony and sought cooperation for the development of the district.
Trophies, citations and cash prizes were presented to the GBs and villagers of Tabyor in Gangte circle for making the village the cleanest in the district.
In Lower Dibang Valley HQ Roing, ADC Tapik Pertin unfurled the national flag and highlighted the developmental activities in the district.
Pertin, along with MP Mukut Mithi and SP SK Sain presented appointment orders to newly-appointed GBs of the area, besides prizes to the participants in various events.
In Dambuk, a SAD camp was organized alongside the Statehood Day celebration. MLA Gum Tayeng and ADC Rujjum Rakshap distributed benefits and presented appointment orders to the newly-appointed GBs of the area.
In East Siang HQ Pasighat, the national flag was hoisted by DC (in-charge) Tatdo Borang, who apprised the people of the development activities under various departments in the district and sought their cooperation on all fronts.
In Papum Pare HQ Yupia, ADC Tabang Bodung hoisted the national flag and informed about the upcoming elections in the state. He appealed to the people to maintain peace and tranquility during election time. Later, he distributed prizes to the winners of various competitive events. (Raj Bhavan, CMO and DIPROs)
