AALO, Jan 10: Chief Minister Pema Khandu has said that as the revenue generation of Arunachal Pradesh has grown substantially in the last 7-8 years, the state government has been able to execute people-centric projects and welfare schemes.
Stressing on the need to tap the natural potential of the state for resource generation, he pointed out that the more revenue generated, more development will come. He, however, cautioned that in the face of development and modernity, the cultural identity of the state’s indigenous communities should not get diluted.
“We cannot sacrifice our cultural identity and indigenous languages for the sake of development. And it is upto organizations like GWS, AITF and other CBOs to preserve our tribal identity alive for posterity,” said Khandu while speaking at the opening ceremony of the three-day Silver Jubilee celebration of the Galo Welfare Society (GWS) near here this morning.
The Chief Minister hailed the Galo community for cooperating with the state government and supporting the successful implementation of government schemes and projects.
“The Galos – one of the most advanced communities of the state – have been in the forefront in implementation of government schemes and projects, which has completely facelifted the Galo-dominated areas,” Khandu said while reiterating the state government’s commitment to keep the trend of development on albeit in a faster pace.
Informing that several milestones were created during his nine years tenure as chief minister, Khandu credited the growth track record to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s concern and love for the North East.
“Modi ji always says – we have to compensate for the 60 years of deprivation and neglect given by the Centre to the North East. We have witnessed the transformation. We still remember what was the situation of Arunachal Pradesh ten years ago,” he said.
Drawing attention towards reports of alarming drug addiction among the Galo youths, Khandu called upon the GWS, especially its youth wing, to join with the government to fight against the menace.
He said the state government and its police are combating the menace jointly with all the North Eastern state governments and police. However, he said, active participation of the society is needed in creating and spreading awareness.
Khandu urged all not to treat addicts as outlaws or outcasts. “Treat them as you treat any other patient. They are patients and we need to care and treat them,” he appealed.
He appreciated the Mothers Vision (NGO) for running a rehabilitation centre at Aalo but observed that due to lack of advanced facilities, there is a need to take some of the patients to well equipped facilities outside.
Khandu announced that in case patients from a very poor family background need such shifting, the state government will bear their expenses. He asked the district administration to identity rehab centres where they will be shifted and the government will take over.
DIPRO adds: Addressing the gathering, Assam Education Minister Ranoj Pegu urged the people of Arunachal to utilize the resources especially in the tourism sector. “Arunachal will become a tourist hub due to its rich biodiversity. Harness the potential of homestay,” he advised.
Among others, Rajya Sabha MP from Assam, Rameshwar Teli, State’s Urban Affairs Minister Balo Raja, and Mising Autonomous Council (MAC) CEM Parmananda Chayengia also graced the occasion.
Earlier, the Chief Minister flagged off the rafting competition on the serene Yomgo River and inaugurated the Galo Food Festival. At the event, he also felicitated the GWS founders, achievers and torch bearers of Galo communities.