BOMDILA, May 9: Exhorting the Gaon Burahs to play a vital role in facilitating peace and tranquility which in turn paves the way for development, Deputy Commissioner Sonal Swaroop termed the Gaon Burahs as the eyes and ears of the district administration at Boha village under Kalaktang subdivision in the district today.

‘It is not sufficient for the Gaon Burahs to be proficient in traditional laws and tackling the problems of the villages only. Rather, they should also be well versed and well aware of the various developments and the flagship programmes of the government’ she said.

She was addressing to all the twenty two Gaon Burahs under Kalaktang ADC post along with the PRI members and the villagers of Boha.

Directing the Gaon Burahs to strictly monitor the educational scenario in their respective jurisdiction, DC Sonal Swaroop asked them to put in more effort in creating awareness on Aadhar, bank schemes and schemes meant for the girl child.

Decrying the reported cultivation of Cannabis in the jungles of Boha, the DC impressed on the villagers that both cultivation and consumption are illegal and punishable under the law. She urged them to desist from the practice and assured that the government and the district administration is very serious and committed to provide them with an alternate source of income.

Among others, she promised solar streetlights for the village within a couple of months.

Having the distinction of being the largest village under Kalaktang circle, Boha consists of 154 households with a population of 833.

Earlier, ADC Kalaktang H Lalyang urging the Gaon Burahs to maintain neutrality without any political affiliations in their dealings for a conducive atmosphere urged them to focus on girl child education. He also called upon them to be well versed in the customary laws and to be pro-active in disseminating information to the villagers.

ZPM Kalaktang Tashi Norbu speaking on the flagship programmes said that there won’t be any compromise in implementation of the schemes. He urged the Gaon Burahs and the villagers to co-operate with the administration and the Para-military forces in order to further the peace and development in the area.

All the Gaon Burahs presented reports on ongoing schemes.

Similar meetings for the Singchung and Dirang ADC posts in the district were taken by the Deputy Commissioner in the beginning of the month.

Sonal Swaroop happens to be the first DC to visit far-flung Lubrang and Broksarthang villages under Dirang circle to assess the plight of the Yak herders as the issue had become a burning point in the meeting. She also happens to be the second DC to visit Boha village since the creation of West Kameng in June 1, 1980.

Among others, Commandant 61 BN SSB and HoDs from Bomdila and Kalaktang attended the daylong meeting. DIPRO