New Lainwang, Oct 7: Secretary (Rural Development & Panchayati Raj), Dr. Sonal Swaroop, graced a special Gram Sabha under Adi Sewa Parv and  undertook a two-day official visit to Tirap district to review the progress and performance of various Rural Development and Panchayati Raj initiatives in the district. During the visit, she is also scheduled to attend the Sarkar Aapke Dwar 3.0 programme at Tutnu on October 8.
As part of her visit, Dr. Swaroop attended a Gram Sabha meeting at New Lainwang village under Bari-Basip CD Block. The Gram Sabha of GP-10/3 Lainwang, chaired by Phorap Sawin (GPC), deliberated on the preparation of the Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP) 2026–27 based on nine thematic approaches.
The Village Poverty Reduction Plan (VPRP) prepared by Self Help Groups (SHGs) was also integrated into the GPDP. The Sabha finalized a list of 92 eligible beneficiaries under PMAY-G and approved the draft GPDP budget for 2026–27, with allocations from various sources including the 15th Finance Commission, State Schemes, and MGNREGA.
Under MGNREGA 2026–27, the Gram Sabha resolved to undertake works such as the construction of CC roads, protection walls, sanitation facilities, and plantation projects across Lainwang and Jadthung villages. Additional schemes under the 15th Finance Commission and SOR include the construction of community toilets, urinal sheds, link roads, and drainage systems.
Deputy Commissioner Tirap, Techu Aran, while lauding Secretary RD & PR for gracing the event, appealed to womenfolk to actively participate in Gram Sabha meetings. He expressed concern over the low female attendance and emphasized that women’s ideas are equally vital for inclusive village planning.
The DC observed that villagers’ aspirations—such as improved education, healthcare, water supply, electricity, and roads—are in line with the Government of India’s vision of Viksit Bharat@2047. He urged villagers to adopt modern skills and technologies for sustainable livelihoods, as traditional farming alone may no longer suffice. He also advised the use of bamboo-made dustbins instead of plastic ones to promote local products and protect the environment.
Highlighting the challenges faced by the Power Department, the DC appealed to all power consumers to clear their outstanding electricity bills and cooperate with the department in implementing the meter-based power supply system in the near future.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Sonal Swaroop appreciated the active participation of villagers and emphasized the importance of participatory planning for sustainable rural development. 
She strongly urged all line departments to mandatorily attend Gram Sabha meetings, expressing concern over frequent absenteeism. She directed that such lapses must not recur, stressing that active participation of all departments is crucial for effective convergence and implementation of schemes based on public needs and feedback.
Responding to a public memorandum, Dr. Swaroop announced the construction of a Panchayat Bhawan for Jathung village.
During an open interaction, Dr. Swaroop asked villagers about their vision for their village over the next five years. The villagers shared aspirations such as full coverage under PMAY-G, improved healthcare facilities with a well-equipped ambulance, installation of solar streetlights, and enhancement of education infrastructure with adequate teaching staff in government schools.

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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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