With the Zilla Parishads and Gram Panchayats in the state gradually coming alive once again through their official formation and oath taking of office bearers, the vital link in attainment of an overall ideal governance through people’s participation at grassroots level that remained snapped for more than one and a half years has been re-established. Wholehearted participation of the electorate in the PR elections despite the pandemic is ample testimony that rural Arunachal has been intensely craving to see its PRIs get reactivated. Obviously, expectations from these new representatives, either elected or selected, will be higher this time due to this particular reason. If the phrase ‘India lives in villages’ is always true, its applicability in Arunachal’s context will be equally right. For comprehensive and perceptible developmental changes, the rural thrust is essential and it’s time for the new entrants to prove themselves as ‘agents of real change’.

There were differences of opinions whether conducting the local body elections will be appropriate amid the prevailing corona fear. Thankfully, everything passed off smoothly and while the SEC deserves special thanks for this, 73% overall voting percentage during the ubiquitous presence of the pandemic will stand out as a great example in the state’s history of participatory democracy. This is actually a message to all those taking the charges that it’s the time to get back to work and finish the unfinished developmental assignments. After all, the last Panchayat election was held in May 2013 and the state’s PRIs have been lying defunct since June 1, 2018. It is essential to mention here that for Arunachal it’s going to be a new beginning for its entire local self-governance structure. There has been a switch over from the erstwhile three-tier to a two-tire system and from 17 districts that existed in 2013, it is now 25. The duties of the representatives on whom trust has been kept, however, remains the same. They are the far better perceivers of developmental aspirations of the rural masses than an MLA or an MP and the popular perception that panchayats can reach where bureaucrats can’t it is also doubtless. With a vast geographical expanse and low population density, taking development to the doorsteps of rural people in the state has always been challenging and it’s only through the PRIs the cherished objective of bringing socio-economic transformation can be attained. As such, much will depend on the capabilities and sincerities of these new representatives and they must not let the people down. Petty politics mustn’t come as hindrance when it comes to implementation of welfare schemes and projects.

Let there be a new beginning for rural Arunachal. For this the PRIs must function with zeal keeping watchful eyes on attaining completion deadlines of all welfare schemes.