Our Correspondent
Itanagar: Crediting the huge success of Sarkar Aapke Dwar to the spirit of ‘Team Arunachal’, state Chief Minister Pema Khandu has reiterated that the state government’s call for Team Arunachal has never been just for sloganeering and is committed to make it a reality.
Attending a development meeting at Kimin in Papum Pare district on Saturday along with Forest Minister Nabam Rebia, RWD Minister Bamang Felix, state BJP President Tapir Gao and other dignitaries, the chief minister cited the novel practice introduced in preparation of the state’s annual budgets in the last two years wherein detail consultations were held with all community based organizations, student organizations, apex women bodies and the common citizens.
“Suggestions and recommendations put in by all were discussed and included in the final budget document,” he said.
“I am sure a big difference has come in due to Sarkar Aapke Dwar camps across the state. Not only people are now becoming aware of all central and state government flagship programs but are also availing the benefits right at their doorsteps,” he said.
The chief minister repeated his call for change of mindset implanted in people, particularly in the western region of the state. He said while eastern parts of the state are progressing fast, the western districts have failed to keep pace with and cited the progress of the Trans Arunachal Highway and other roads in the eastern districts and the slow progress of roads in western districts.
He appealed the people of the region to avoid individual preferences and monitory profits but think for the common good and progress of their respective areas.
“Another concern in our region is the slow progress of the airport at Hollongi. It is not a proud thing that ours is the only state capital in the country without an airport after 70 years of Independence. The blame goes to our mindset. Let’s change it, not only in context of the airport but every project that would benefit all,” Khandu said.
He informed that the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) is specifically monitoring the Hollongi airport project.
“With the concern at the highest level, I am happy to inform that the compensation issue has been resolved. The state government will bear ten per cent of the cost of land compensation and most probably the Prime Minister himself will lay the foundation stone sometime in January next year,” he revealed.
Khandu fervently appealed the people not to create hurdles again and allow the airport to see the light of day.
On the occasion, the chief minister inaugurated the makeshift building for operationalization of Arunachal Pradesh State Council for Science & Technology (APSCST), Centre of Excellence for Bio-Resources and Sustainable Development.
He also inaugurated the Rural Technology Demonstrations Centre of APSCST under state department of Science & Technology, besides inaugurating the steel bridge over Panyor River at Komasaki, an official release informed here on Sunday.