TAWANG, Sep 24: The Arunachal State Rural Livelihoods Mission (ArSRLM), Block Mission Management Unit (BMMU), Tawang, today organized a one-day orientation programme for Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) members of Tawang Block on the Village Prosperity Resilience Plan (VPRP) at the IIM Shillong Satellite Centre, Tawang.
The programme was attended by ZPM Tawang Sonam Nordzin, Dy Director Rural Development-cum-member secretary Tawang Panchayat Tenzin Jambey, Assistant Commissioner-cum-DPO Tawang Nawang Thutan, DHO Koncho Gyatso, DVO Dr Thupten Tashi, CDPO Tawang Dondup Pema, 10 GPCs of Tawang Block and Khandro Drowa Zangmo Cooperative Society Chairperson Nawang Chonzom, among others.
From BMM (ArSRLM) Tawang, Thupten Chudup briefed the participants on the functioning and various activities of ArSRLM in Tawang. He highlighted the Mission’s role in the formation and strengthening of Self-Help Groups (SHGs), which are empowering rural women economically and socially and enabling them to emerge as Lakhpati Didis.
He emphasised that an empowered woman contributes significantly towards building an empowered and prosperous village. He said the initiative provides a mechanism through which the government, with active support from Panchayati Raj Institutions, can encourage and strengthen rural women through sustained handholding and livelihood support.
Elaborating on the Village Prosperity Resilience Plan (VPRP), he said that it is a community-based demand plan that needs to be incorporated into the Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP). He explained that its major components include the Entitlement Plan, Livelihood Plan, Public Goods, Services and Resource Development Plan, and Social Development Plan.
Addressing the gathering, Tenzin Jambey highlighted the crucial role of Panchayats in identifying and addressing developmental gaps at the grassroots level. He urged PRI members to undertake proper mapping of their respective villages and actively involve SHG members in the preparation of development plans.
He observed that participation of all concerned departments in the planning process needs to be further strengthened. Pointing out that Panchayat funds are often utilised for works such as CC steps, drains and retaining walls, he suggested exploring greater investment in horticulture, agriculture and allied livelihood sectors to generate sustainable economic opportunities for rural communities. He urged PRI members to incorporate such initiatives into the upcoming GPDP of Tawang Block.
The ZPM described the event as an enlightening initiative for strengthening their understanding of the role of PRIs in promoting SHGs and empowering rural women. (DIPRO)