Itanagar, Mar 10: Several issues relating to rural connectivity, education reforms, institutional development and administrative procedures were discussed during the Sixth Session of the Eighth Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly on Tuesday.
Responding to a question raised by MLA ThangwangWangham regarding the condition of the Boniah–Longkhaw road constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), Rural Works Department Minister P.D. Sona informed the House that roads built under PMGSY were originally designed with limited load-bearing capacity meant for rural connectivity. However, in border districts such as Tirap, the increased movement of Army and paramilitary vehicles, along with heavy construction trucks, has placed additional stress on the road infrastructure beyond its original design capacity.
The Minister stated that the issue has been discussed at the Cabinet level. As per the norms of the Central Government under PMGSY, the original funding provision for such roads has already been exhausted following completion of the scheme period. However, the State Government has submitted a proposal to the Centre seeking special assistance for the restoration and upgradation of the road to ensure improved connectivity in the region.
On the issue of road connectivity to newly declared Circle Officer headquarters and villages, raised by MLA Kumar Waii, the Minister informed that road connectivity to all government CO headquarters will be taken up under the Chief Minister’s Comprehensive State Road Development Plan (CMCSRD Plan). He stated that specific guidelines and yardsticks are required for undertaking connectivity projects in villages not covered in the last Census, as the emergence of new unregulated villages could otherwise lead to additional budgetary pressure.
Replying to a query raised by MLA Pani Taram regarding the authority for awarding work orders in tender processes, Rural Development Minister Ojing Tasing informed that the department follows the government’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in tender evaluation. He stated that the Joint Director (RE) functions as the tender accepting authority, ensuring proper scrutiny and transparency in the process. The Minister added that tenders are awarded strictly in accordance with the CPWD Manual and the General Financial Rules (GFR).
Responding to a query raised by MLA Wanglin Lowangdong regarding infrastructure development at Borduria Government Higher Secondary School in Tirap district, Education Minister P.D. Sona informed the House that the government has launched “Mission Shikshit Arunachal,” a comprehensive initiative aimed at strengthening the education sector through improved infrastructure and better utilisation of resources.
The Minister stated that, as part of the reforms, certain schools with very low or zero enrolment have been merged to prevent the underutilisation of human resources and infrastructure. With specific reference to Borduria Government Higher Secondary School, he informed that ₹50 lakh has been allocated for the construction of a conference hall, smart classroom facilities and separate toilets for boys and girls. While acknowledging the need for holistic facilities in schools, the Minister emphasised that the government’s immediate priority is the development of academic blocks, residential hostels and teachers’ quarters to strengthen the overall education ecosystem in the state.
The discussions in the Assembly reflected the government’s continued focus on strengthening infrastructure, improving educational facilities and ensuring transparency in development initiatives across Arunachal Pradesh.

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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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