The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Government in Arunachal Pradesh on Tuesday vowed to fight corruption tooth and nail so that welfare programmes percolate down to the last of the needy and the state progresses on all fronts.
“Corruption is the only stumbling block, which if tackled sincerely, Arunachal Pradesh, with its resources, can outgrow many states in the country,” said Chief Minister Pema Khandu addressing a mammoth gathering here at Namsai during an event to celebrate completion of BJP government’s one year in office.
Khandu cautioned in stern words that he won’t hesitate to take action against anyone found involved in corruption irrespective of position or office. Reiterating that he has recommended CBI inquiry into the infamous PDS scam that rocked the power corridors of the State few years ago, Khandu said it was just the beginning of his crusade against corruption.
“Till I am in office, I will not tolerate corruption in any form and I will not think twice to take stern action against anyone from ministers, MLAs, officers, contractors to a common man,” he warned while informing that a Special Investigating Cell (SIC) has been instituted for investigation into the alleged irregularities in regularization of teachers recently.
Khandu asserted that elected representatives need to lead the crusade against corruption. He also reiterated that his government will not compromise on law and order no matter what is the issue.
In a message, clearly to bandh-enforcers, he said bandh calls on petty issues and wishful demands will be dealt sternly.
He called upon the people to cooperate with the government in its fight against corruption and bandh culture.
“Without the support and cooperation of the common masses, no government will be strong enough to deal with such situations. Therefore, I appeal for your active cooperation and support,” Khandu said while thanking the people for defying several bandh calls, particularly in the state capital in recent times.
He emphasized on his oft-repeated mantra ‘Team Arunachal’ and asserted that without team-work no job can be done. He thanked all his Cabinet colleagues, legislators, officers, BJP workers and the people for contributing their bit in strengthening the Team Arunachal and working together for development of the State.
“All achievements and progress made in the last one year, I contribute to our team work,” he said.
Terming transparency and accountability as the most important aspects for clean governance, Khandu said the BJP government in the State has taken it seriously and kept every decision and execution in public domain.
Khandu along with Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, who also holds the Finance portfolio, with his in-depth knowledge on financial management has managed in pulling out the state financial status from huge liabilities.
He also assured of an all-inclusive and progressive budget 2018-19 under Mein’s leadership and informed that the process for finalizing the budget is under progress.
He also stressed the importance of a robust connectivity set-up for accelerated development in the state and said that the state government with the support of Central Government is giving it top priority.
Earlier, state ministers gave details of achievements and future plans of their respective departments.
The programme was also attended by BJP national general secretary (Organization) Ram Lal; general secretary in-charge of North-east, Ajay Jamwal; MoS Home, KirenRijiju; Assam MP and BJP in-charge Arunachal Pradesh, Ramen Deka; Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein; State Legislative Assembly Speaker T N Thongdok; all ministers; parliamentary secretaries; MLAs; Chief Secretary Satya Gopal; deputy commissioners of eastern zone, officers and state BJP office bearers.