AALO, 23 Nov: Chief Minister Pema Khandu has said that villages and villagers will be empowered once the eight areas of focus – proper health facility, quality education, all weather connectivity, 24×7 power supply, sustainable livelihood, economically viable agriculture, sanitation and hygiene and potable water supply to each household, is achieved.
He said this while attending the Golden Jubilee celebration of Biru village in West Siang district here on Wednesday.
Khandu informed that the state government is chalking out a broad plan to work on these eight areas of focus and empower all villages of the state in coming years.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been giving special attention to empower villages through many centrally sponsored schemes and programs, with which the state government is dovetailing its own schemes so that villagers of Arunachal avail maximum benefit,” he added.
Khandu said, “The most important unit of our country is a village. Only when our villages are empowered, the country will develop. Arunachal’s identity is in our villages.”
Expressing concern over migration of people from villages to urban towns and cities, Khandu said, “If this is not checked one by one the state’s villages will disappear and so would the distinct cultural identity of the state.”
“We are committed to ensure that all our villages are empowered with all facilities so that they continue to thrive,” he assured.
Khandu urged Gram Panchayat leaders, gaon buras and village elders to closely monitor all schemes and programs being implemented in their respective villages and ensure quality of work and its timely completion.
He expressed happiness on knowing that Biru village, established 50 years ago, has preserved the rich cultural heritage of the Galos. He commended that the entire village of 50 plus households are 100% followers of the indigenous Donyi Polo faith.
“Galos are the torchbearers of the state with perhaps the largest number of government employees. Other communities look up to you. You have the responsibility to lead from the front and set examples for others to follow,” he said.
On road connectivity, Khandu assured that all under construction portions of the Trans Arunachal Highway in the district will be completed by next year. He informed that the target has been conveyed to the concerned department and contractors and that his office will be closely monitoring.
He also informed that the union ministry of road, transport and highways has approved sanction of additional 2,500 kms of highways for the state worth Rs. 44,000 crore.
Responding to a one-point memorandum submitted by the villagers, Khandu assured that funds for construction of a village playground would be released within this financial year.
“I have already directed the RWD engineers to consult with the villagers, find a suitable location and submit a detailed project report to the CMO,” he revealed.
On a three-day visit to West Siang, the chief minister earlier in the day inaugurated the newly constructed building of the Aalo circuit house, the Golden Jubilee Gate of Biru village and the Taken Riba DBA indoor badminton stadium while declaring open the 9th Chief Minister’s Sub-Veteran and Veteran State Badminton Championship 2022 at Aalo.
He also inspected the under construction outdoor sports stadium in the town, which was sanctioned in 2018. Khandu expressed disappointment over the pace of progress and instructed the executing agency and the contractor to complete the project by March 2023.
Also present were minister for textiles & handicrafts Tumke Bagra, MLAs Nyamar Karbak, Kento Jini, Gokar Basar and Kardo Nyigyor. (CMO)
