Itanagar, Jan 29: Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Thursday called upon elected Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) representatives to strengthen grassroots democracy through inclusive planning, effective implementation of government schemes and close coordination with the administrative machinery.
He was addressing a gathering here at the DK Convention Centre after inaugurating the extended 4-day State level interaction-cum-orientation programme for elected PRI representatives (2026-2030), including Zilla Parishad Chairpersons (ZPCs), Zilla Parishad Members (ZPMs) and Gram Panchayat Chairpersons (GPCs).
Explaining the programme structure, Khandu said the first two days would include joint training sessions for all ZPCs, ZPMs and GPCs, followed by two additional days of focused training for ZPMs and GPCs. He said the technical sessions aim to strengthen the Panchayati Raj system by covering government schemes, emerging technologies and administrative processes.
Highlighting Arunachal Pradesh’s two-tier Panchayati Raj system, the Chief Minister said it was adopted to ensure efficiency and clarity of roles, considering the state’s unique demographic and geographical conditions. He described Panchayati Raj as the foundation of grassroots democracy and stressed that elected representatives play a vital role in translating public aspirations into village development plans.
Sharing data on PRI representation, Khandu informed that the state has 27 ZPCs, 245 ZPMs and 2,108 GPCs, along with over 8,000 Gram Panchayat Members. Due to space constraints, only 50 per cent of GPCs were invited for the current programme, he said, adding that district- and zonal-level trainings would be organised subsequently.
The Chief Minister said delimitation would be undertaken in the next Panchayat election cycle following the upcoming Census, noting that the State Election Commission has already been empowered to conduct the exercise.
While noting that India has emerged as the world’s fourth-largest economy and is poised to become the third-largest soon, Khandu said the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 can be realised only through village development, with Panchayati Raj institutions playing a central role.
Reaffirming the autonomy of PRIs, the Chief Minister assured that there would be no interference by MLAs in Panchayat functioning, adding that complaints of interference have been taken seriously.
Khandu said Arunachal Pradesh is among the first states to allocate 10 per cent of its state-owned resources directly to PRIs over the past five years, resulting in increased grants as the state’s economy grows.
He urged PRI representatives to adopt participatory and inclusive planning by involving all households and prioritising the welfare of vulnerable sections, while ensuring convergence among departmental schemes.
Khandu informed that 1,182 Panchayat Bhawan-cum-Common Service Centres have been constructed across the state, with District Panchayat Resource Centres completed in five districts and three more nearing completion. He also noted that women’s representation in PRIs has reached nearly 48–50 per cent, surpassing the mandated reservation.
Calling the five-year tenure a rare opportunity for public service, Khandu urged elected representatives to work with urgency, innovation and accountability, stressing that strong coordination between Panchayats, district administration and the state government is essential to transform villages and position Arunachal Pradesh as a model of grassroots governance.
Panchayati Raj Minister Ojing Tasing, Advisor to the PR Minister, Taniya Soki, Chief Secretary Manish Kumar Gupta and Panchayati Raj Secretary Sonal Swaroop were present, among others.