Image: Northeast Now

Arunachal Pradesh education and RWD minister Honchun Ngandam on Saturday appealed to all stakeholders including the local public, gaon burhas and party workers to be part of the development of the state and the nation.

He also advised them to stand united.

Ngandam was addressing the gathering of locals and party leaders on the occasion of the foundation stone-laying ceremony of an RCC bridge over Nimte river at Sangri village under Sagalkee sub-division.

“The government has always stood for the people’s welfare and state’s development,” he said.

“The welfare government under the leadership of Pema Khandu and Chowna Mein is working tirelessly for the welfare of people and development of the area,” he added.

He said the development takes place in a phased manner and funds are being provided by the government as per resources available after assessing the needs and viability of a proposal.

“Any development will only take place if all stakeholders join hands together and support the panchayat, district administration and State Government for better development,” Ngandam said.

The minister further urged the locals to overcome petty problems for fast-track development.

“Complaints and litigations in courts have derailed the progress of the schemes. Avoid making complaints and solve all issues amicably,” he said.

Insisting that development can only be possible if there is road, bridge and telecommunication, he sought everyone’s cooperation for proper implementation of the schemes.

“We cannot cheat people, we cannot cheat the department as system is improving, Ngandam said, seeking unity among the villagers for sorting out long-term issues in the greater interest of the area.

“With emergence of technology, all schemes are geotagged and third-party monitoring needs to be done for every work within the guidelines as per the rules of the government,” he also said.

Referring to a memorandum submitted, Ngandam said he would take up the matter with the officers concerned.

“The schemes referred to in the memorandum may be taken up at the government level for approval in the next financial year,” he said.

“Shortfall of officers and administrative officers is also a matter of concern of the government. Process of recruitment is underway by SPPSC. Several mechanisms are being worked out to see how it can be resolved at the highest level,” Ngandam added.

Doimukh MLA Tana Hali Tara, addressing the function as the guest of honour said, “We should show our sincerity and calibre to fast-track the projects so that the fruits of development percolate down to the last person in the row and also reach the village.”

“We also need to stay in a neat and clean environment so that we remain fit and fine with a healthy body and sound mind. We have to preserve the flora and fauna as well and need to discourage the hunting of wildlife,” he added.

Tana urged the village elders and gaon burhas to strictly maintain the ecology so that “we enjoy a long life and serve society and mankind”.

BJP senior leader Dominic Tadar, Sagalee ADC S Lowang, RWD executive engineer Techi Totu, event organising chairman Taba Tagi, secretary Nabam Kacha and overall in-charge Ngurang Tale addressed the gathering among others.

Damien Lepcha is Northeast Now Correspondent in Arunachal Pradesh. He can be reached at: [email protected]