CM gives nod to Lepa Rada district

From our correspondent

Itagar, Nov 7: Aruchal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu gave the go-ahead for creation of Lepa Rada district curving out Basar (ST) Assembly constituency from the newly created Lower Siang district.

Addressing a public meeting at Basar in West Siang district, Khandu said the newly posted deputy commissioner of Lower Siang will be instructed to hold public hearing and all other necessary formalities required for demarcation of boundaries, an official report stated.

“Once these exercises are completed and its report are submitted to the State government, the matter for district creation will be placed in the Cabinet for approval,” he said.

Khandu assured the exercises for creation of this new district would be completed by 2019. He said the even the BJP as well as Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju have extended their support in this regard.

The chief minister said he is never against district creation for it would bring administrative convenience and take administration to the door step of the people. He, however, said not all 60 constituencies can have districts of their own and random decisions for district creation made under public pressure cannot continue. He said demands for several new districts are still pending and newer ones are cropping up.

 “District creations have huge bearing on the fincial position of the State,” he said.

“Earlier too there were districts but it became non-functiol as posts were not created,” he said adding, the present government has started to make all the new districts functiol by creating several new posts to fill up the vacancies.

The chief minister further announced to fill up the vacant ministerial berth in the State government from the Galo community, which was left vacant after the demise of former Health Minister late Jomde Ke. Highlighting on the achievements of the present government, Khandu said the revenue generation has seen huge jump of Rs 227 crore within one fincial year. He said in the fincial year 2015-16, the State’s revenue was Rs 887 crore. But after he took over as chief minister in 2016, the revenue has increased to Rs 1114 crore in the current fincial year.

Khandu expressed hope that with GST the revenue of the state is likely to increase further in the future with increase in tax base. He, however, said revenue may not hit high immediately as confusions over GST implementation still persists.

He said ten new railway lines is in offing which would immensely benefit the foothill areas of the State, giving rise to economic activity in the coming years. He further said instructions for immediate completion of Likabli-Bame road would be issued to the authority concerned, the report added.