JANG, 8 Feb: Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Monday reiterated that developmental projects will never be thrust upon the people but will happen only with their consent and cooperation.
“It is a fact that developmental projects bring with it job opportunities and economic activities that benefit the locals. However, we will never impose such projects. It is the will of the people to accept such proposed projects or reject it,” Khandu said here during a developmental meeting for the 3-Mukto assembly constituency of which he is the legislator.
He was referring to the proposed hydropower projects in Tawang district, which are yet to take off due to various reasons, while responding to concerns raised by panchayat and local leaders of the constituency on the delay.
Khandu acknowledged the concerns and admitted that power shortage in the district has been a major impediment in development of the region.
He informed that, earlier in the day, the All Tawang District Students’ Union had also approached him with the same concern and had appealed to the government to fast-track power projects in the district.
“I have been crystal clear from the very beginning. My doors are always open for dialogue and discussion on any development related projects,” he said.
Khandu lauded the hardworking nature of the locals sustaining in difficult terrains but said that, as resources are scarce, it is necessary to judicially and optimally utilize whatever resource available.
Congratulating the newly elected panchayat members of his constituency, he said they have the most important role to play in developmental activities and therefore should be constantly active.
“I have already announced that more powers will be conferred on PRIs during the forthcoming budget session. However, all panchayat members have to go through a mandatory training programme for better implementation of schemes and utilization of their power and functions,” he informed.
He further advised BJP office-bearers of the constituency to be active and vigilant, so that government schemes are implemented judiciously while ensuring that benefits reach to the last man in the queue.
“Now that elections are over, we need to leave party politics behind and work together for those who have elected us,” he said.
To panchayat members of the BJP, he advised that ideology of the party needs to be understood, learnt and adopted.
“Discipline is the strongest pillar of BJP,” and therefore, he said, “discipline has to be adopted in their working system.”
He assured that the state government is committed to improve the health service delivery system and education sector. He advocated clubbing of schools to improve quality of education, instead of having several schools in a locality without proper infrastructure and quality. He also stressed that school management committees should be proactive and keep constant watch and plan for good of the school, students as well as the teachers.
Meanwhile, Khandu commended the district administration and the locals for preserving their indigenous culture along with language by incorporating Monpa dialects in school curriculum. (CM’s PR Cell)
