Arunachal cabinet approves key welfare measures, extends social security benefits

Our correspondent

Itanagar: The Arunachal Pradesh Cabinet on Wednesday took several significant decisions aimed at public welfare, including expanding the scope of the Chief Minister’s Bal Seva Scheme (CMBSS), enhancing pensions under the Chief Minister’s Social Security Scheme (CMSSS), and approving a 50 percent SGST reimbursement for the 1200 MW Kalai II Hydro Electric Project.

The cabinet headed by Chief Minister Pema Khandu also discussed crucial administrative reforms, including restructuring the implementation framework for rural development schemes and reviewing the Assam-Arunachal boundary issue, a statement from the CMO said.

The cabinet approved an expansion of the CMBSS, which was initially limited to children orphaned due to COVID-19. The scheme will now cover all orphaned children in the state who are registered under the Baal Swaraj Portal, residing in Child Care Institutions, and declared as ‘Children in Need of Care and Protection’ under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.

Under the revised scheme, these children will receive financial assistance of Rs 1,500 per month until the age of 18. This support will be in addition to any benefits provided under the Mission Vatsalya scheme.

Furthermore, beneficiaries entering Class 11, college, or vocational courses will be eligible for a laptop or tablet to aid in their education, the statement said.

In a move to enhance social security, the cabinet approved an increase in pension amounts under the Chief Minister’s Social Security Scheme.

Key changes include an increase of Rs 300 per month for old-age pension, disability pension, and widow pension, along with a reduction of the age eligibility for the widow pension scheme from 40 years to 18 years, making it universally accessible. These revisions will benefit over 50,000 individuals, strengthening financial security for the elderly, differently-abled, and widowed women. The pension enhancements and widow pension scheme expansion are expected to cost the state exchequer approximately Rs 18.50 crore annually.

To bolster financial viability, the cabinet approved a 50 percent SGST reimbursement for the 1200 MW Kalai II Hydro Electric Project.

Located on the Lohit River in Anjaw district of the northeastern state, the project will be implemented by THDCIL in joint venture with the state government.

With an investment of around Rs 14,000 crore, the project is expected to generate Rs 318 crore in free power and contribute Rs 2.2 crore annually to the local area development fund post-commissioning.

The Kalai II HEP will create approximately 1,700 direct jobs, with significant employment opportunities reserved for the state locals. Additionally, the project will drive infrastructure development, including road improvements, healthcare, and educational facilities, promoting long-term socioeconomic growth. The initiative also aims to upskill local workers, generating a skilled labour force and fostering regional economic progress.

The cabinet further approved the assignment of deputy directors of rural development (RD) to implement RD and centrally sponsored schemes (CSS) at the district level.

This restructuring follows the discontinuation of the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) by the Centre in 2022, rendering the role of project directors defunct.

Also Read: Arunachal: Wangsu reviews activities in Lower Subansiri district

Also Watch: