CM Khandu aims to remove poverty, illiteracy in five years

 

ITANAGAR, Aug 16: Along with the rest of the country, Arunachal Pradesh also celebrated the 71^st Independence Day with great enthusiasm here on August 15 with daylong programmes all over the state covering district headquarters and other administrative headquarters.

The main function was organized at the Indira Gandhi Park, Itanagar where State Chief Minister Pema Khandu unfurled the national tri-colour amidst presence of galaxy of dignitaries, senior government officers and officials and public.       

Addressing the mammoth gathering on the occasion, the Chief Minister highlighted the achievements and priorities of his government to bring about sustainable development in the state. His government –which completed one year of governance on July 17 last is working towards successful transformation of investments into developmental outcomes through various strategic initiatives.

While greeting the people on the occasion, Khandu said that development mantra can be fully implemented only when there is universal peace and harmony in the state, adding that government will have zero tolerance towards disruptive and divisive forces and called upon the people to participate in the growth of the state.

Divulging that the state government has done away with the No Detention policy to ensure quality education in the state, the CM spelt out that many concrete measures have been adopted to address the challenge of quality of school education. In order to arrest the growing unemployment problem in the state, government has launched the Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Swavalamban Yojana to provide 30% capital subsidy to educated unemployed youths thereby generating self employment avenues. The CM’s Health Insurance Scheme is being restructured as a healthcare model that is universal, affordable and accessible, Khandu said, adding that free chemotherapy facility for cancer patients have been started at Tomo Riba Hospital in collaboration with Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, besides 3 crore has been allotted for providing free chemotherapy for APST cancer patients for up to 500 patients in Tertiary Care Centre, Naharlagun up to a ceiling of 10 lakh per patient.

  Government has launched State Rural Livelihood Mission covering 28 blocks of the state, which would be gradually expanded to cover the entire state, the CM informed. The CM’s Krishi Rinn Yojana to provide facility to farmers to get access to zero interest crop loans to those farmers who commit themselves to timely repayments has been launched, besides Pt Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Bunkar Yojana to provide 7% interest subsidy to women engaged in traditional textile weaving for their working capital requirements.

  Informing that under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, the homeless poor in the rural areas would be provided with shelter by 2022, Khandu said that government is committed to electrify all 1230 un-electrified villages by December this year. He said that government has identified agri and horti as the sunrise sectors and effort is on to bring about substantial parts of the state under organic cultivation.

            Arunachal Pradesh ranks seventh in the country under Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and the state is committed to declare the whole state ‘Open Defecation Free’ by December 2017 to set example for others, Khandu told, adding that the Trans Arunachal highway is making rapid progress to facilitate connecting people from Tawang to Longding. The Advance Landing Grounds (ALGs) are in a state of readiness, he said informing that the Alliance Air Flights will start operating from Guwahati to Pasighat shortly, besides STOL flights would operate to all ALGs under CM Air Connectivity Scheme. Civil Secretariat, state assembly buildings have been made commissioned and the ISBT has been inaugurated, he said, while disclosing that the state convention centre, a land mark project of the state is being completed this year. He further informed that the 110 MW Pare hydroelectric project and 600 MW Kameng hydroelectric project will become operational this year. A massive comprehensive tourism policy is in offing for growth of tourism sector in state.

            While the state government is working on to make the government machinery more efficient, transparent, accountable and participative, many major measures have been taken towards government reforms – including decision to abolish interviews in all appointments of Group C, recruitment of Group A & B entrusted to APPSC, setting up of AP State Human Rights Commission and make functional the Lokayukta in a time bound manner, besides decision to raise the retirement age to 60 years from January 1, 2018, the Chief Minister said.

            Later, the Chief Minister inaugurated the exhibition stalls and launched the Government of Arunachal Pradesh State Portal. On the occasion, the state government conferred the Arunachal Ratna (Gold Medal) on Late Hv. Hangpan Dada for his distinguished services to the nation and announced 23 gold medals, 28 silver medals and 23 commendation certificates to persons with meritorious services. The Arunachal Ratna award carries a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh, a gold medal and a Roll of Honour.

Other highlights of the day included display of impressive march past by the 25 parade contingents - 10 uniformed contingents including women IRBN Platoon from Nagaland and 15 student contingents from various school of the capital city, inspection of parade by the Chief Minister, releasing of tri-colored balloon by CM, distribution of trophies and presentation of colourful cultural programmes by school students and cultural troupes.

The 138 CRPF Battalion platoon took away the best contingent prize for march past in the uniformed category, while Boys Platoon of P Sector School, Itanagar declared the best among the contingents.

The Arunachal Pradesh Bharatiya Janata Party also celebrated the 71st Independence Day at the party HQ,Itanagar. State President Tapir Gao hoisted the National Flag amidst huge gathering of party leaders and karyakartas. Gao while extending warm greetings to the people of the state on the occasion asked all Karyakartas across the state to involve in nation building work.

The Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee also celebrated I-Day at its party Headquarters Rajiv Gandhi Bhawan, Itanagar.

Senior Vice-President, APCC Bosiram Siram, hoisted national flag along with party leaders attended by PCC office bearers, Youth Congress, Seva Dal, NSUI and APMCC.

 Bosiram, recalled the contributions of all freedom fighters who laid down their lives for the cause of Independence from British rule. The Youth Congress also celebrated the day at its office in Naharlagun and the national flag was unfurled by Sarifa Rehman, Secretary, IYC I/C Arunachal Pradesh and a “Tiranga Car Rally” was held to mark the occasion.

Also, the Bharatiya Janata Party Capital Complex city unit President, Tarh Soping, unfurled the national flag and outlined the importance of Independence Day. 

The party also remembered martyrs of the freedom struggle who made the supreme sacrifice for the nation.

 

At AALO,

Deputy Speaker of Arunachal Legislative Assembly, Tumke Bagra unfurled the tri-colour and took salute from parade contingents representing ITBP, APP, NCC and various schools of Aalo Township at General Ground Aalo.

Giving his goodwill message to the people of West Siang, Bagra highlighted the major developments undertaken in the state in general and West Siang in particular under the leadership of Pema Khandu for a sustainable and balanced growth with the aim to achieve the long-cherished goal of ‘Inclusive Growth’ with commitment for a People First approach.

Bahadur Hill Eco-Tourism Project amounting to Rs. 7.22 crores has been submitted under CM Innovation and Challenges Award on Eco-Tourism. Bene, Paya and Kabu roads are ongoing major projects under PWD. Nyorak-Nikte and Lipu Bagra roads have already been tendered under SIDF, he informed the gathering.

On the occasion, Best school award was given away to Basar Higher Secondary School and Best Headmaster award was given to Pokde Yomgam, Headmaster Yomcha Secondary School.

At Yomcha, ZPM Yiyom Yomcha unfurled the national flag and spoke on Swacchh Bharat Mission, Health, Education, Agriculture, Horticulture, veterinary and PRI activities to bring development in the remote administrative sub-division. He also distributed dustbins sponsored by PHED Yomcha to medical, bazaar and various schools.

At NAMSAI,

Parliamentary Secretary for Planning & Investment and Personnel, Chow Zingnu Namchoom unfurled the National Tri-colour at Namsai. In his speech, he said that the freedom from British imperial rules was realized on the principles of non-violence and called upon the people to carry forward this legacy and said that there is no place for violence and hatred in our diverse society.

He appealed to all sections of society to maintain peace, tranquility, brotherhood and unity in diversity at all time and to believe in the principle of “Basudeva Kutumbakam”.

Highlighting on various initiatives of the Central and State Govt, he said the citizen’s welfare schemes like Jan Dhan Yojna, Atal Pension Yojna, Aam Admi Bima Yojna, Ujjala Yojna etc has brought smiles to millions of poor and downtrodden citizens. He informed that main aim of NDA Govt is Antodaya which means upliftment of the last man and the government is seriously working towards it.          

He asserted that as a representative, he has been ventilating the expectations and aspirations of the people of the New District and Namsai Assembly constituency in particular to the Government and will continue to do so in the future too.

He also highlighted on some bold steps taken by the Govt for transformation of governance system to make it transparent, effective and people friendly.

At TAWANG,

The 71st Independence  Day was celebrated in a befitting manner in the entire Tawang district. At Tawang Headquarters MLA Tsering Tashi, unfurled the national flag at parade ground. Addressing the mammoth gathering, he dwelt at length on the reforms brought about by the State Government  during the last one year

for effective governance. Elaborating on the schemes introduced   for the welfare of entire section of society including the deprived ones, MLA asked the government employees to be equal partners in its successful implementation through their hard work and dedication. 

While expressing his happiness over the start of Govt. Degree College   in Tawang, the MLA also informed that sanction for a BEd College and a Polytechnic College in the district has also been accorded. Further, he informed that Tibetan form of medicine  also known as Sowa Rigpa would soon be introduced at District Hospital under AYUSH.

A voluntary blood donation camp was also organised at the celebration venue by the Department of Health and Family Welfare.

At PASIGHAT,

In sync with the rest of the nation, Pasighat on Tuesday celebrated the 71st Independence Day with hoisting of national tri-color by Parliamentary Secretary (PS) for Disaster Management Kaling Moyong at the DEMHS School ground, Pasighat amidst patriotic fervour and enthusiasm. The programme was attended by a number of distinguished guests including DC Tamiyo Tatak, Central Range DIG John Nithalaia, SP Pranav Tayal, ZPC Kaling Dai, CC (PMC) Kaling Doruk, senior and prominent personalities, officers, leaders and huge gathering, despite heavy downpour.

Chief Guest Moyong took the Rastriya Salute of 29 participating contingents (comprising IRBn and school students) and addressed a mammoth gathering here highlighting the significance of the historic day. Moyong who is also local MLA of the area highlighted on various developmental activities and schemes implemented and sanctioned so far in the district. He congratulated the people for achieving Smart City and further threw light on other developmental issues.

He also handed over “State Award” (Commendation) to a host of outstanding achievers including Dr. Mandip Perme (DMO), Yalem Taga Burang ABK (WW), Maksam Tayeng (Journalist), H.K. Roy (IPR) and Dr. Y.R. Darang (MS) for their outstanding performances and commendation to many were conferred by the district administration.

At ROING,

MLA Roing, Mutchu Mithi, unfurled the tri colour amidst host of dignitaries. The programme was attended by MP Mukut Mithi, ADC Chestha Yadav, ZPC Sipi Elapara among others.

Addressing the public on various upcoming and completed projects in the district, Mutchu Mithi urged for cooperation from all stakeholders and informed that air connectivity and railway network to the district is also underway. He also said that with the opening of Bhupen Hazarika Setu and with the completion of India’s biggest Hydro power project, 2880 Mega Watt Dibang Multipurpose Dam, the district will witness sea change development in near future soon.

Touching on improving law and order situation in the district he lauded the District Administration and district police for their dedication and coordination.

   He also informed that for improving the Education Scenario of the district, transfer posting of more than 100 teachers was done under teacher’s rationalization policy. He also lauded the i-Clean Roing for their commitment towards cleanliness drive in Roing Township and sought cooperation from all stakeholders for it successful conduct. He also sought public cooperation in keeping cleanliness of surroundings and declaring the district as “open defecation free” district .He further informed that, in addition to the amount Rs 4800/- sanctioned by the Govt. of India for construction of individual toilet an amount of Rs 3200/- is being provided by the MLALAD fund which totals to Rs 8000. Later,   Chief Minister Sharam Award, State Awards, Commendation certificates and cash awards were awarded to the members for their outstanding contribution.

The Independence Day was also celebrated at Dambuk circle under Lower Dibang Valley District in a befitting manner. ADC Atul Tayeng unfurled the tri colour amidst huge gatherings. The programme was also attended by PRI leaders, public leaders, teachers and students, Head of offices and other officials.

Speaking on the occasion, the ADC appealed to the public for conservation of flora and fauna and to maintain communal harmony in the subdivision. He also urged to continue swacch bharat mission and sought cooperation in implementation of other developmental activities.

At YINGKIONG,

The 71st Independence Day was celebrated with the rest of the country in befitting manner at General Ground, Yingkiong. Minister RD & PR, Alo Libang unfurled the national flag amidst huge gathering.

Libang while addressing the gathering, highlighted the major schemes launched by the state and central government and urged the executing departments of all the people oriented schemes to enable its percolation down to the needy and downtrodden people.

Talking about major developmental projects in Upper Siang District, he delighted that the Motorable steel bridge over Siang River at Kudak & Nubo is already complete the much-awaited bridge at Gandhi Bridge shall be completed by December 2017. He further disclosed that the 50-bedded hospital building at Yingkiong shall also be completed soon within this year.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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