Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region and North Eastern Council, Government of Indian collaboration with the Department of Planning, Government of Arunachal Pradesh organized a Panel Discussion on the ‘Welfare of Tribals and Development of Border Areas’ as a part of the North East Festival under the aegis of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM) on 30th April 2022 at Dorjee Khandu Hall, Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly.
The event was graced by Shri Nisith Parmanik, MoS Home, Govt. of India as Chief Guest and Shri Chowna Mein Dy. CM as Guest of Honour along with Shri Bamang Felix Minister Home, Shri Alo Libang, Minister, Social Justice Empowerment and Tribal Affairs (SJETA), Shri P. D. Sona, Speaker Govt of Arunachal Pradesh. Dignitaries from Central Ministry and State Govt. delegates from North Eastern States, students from Colleges and University also attended the programme.
The event began with the lighting of the lamp by the chief guest which was followed by welcome address from Smt. Padmini Singla IAS, Commissioner SJETA / Education, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh and felicitations of the Guests.
Shri Nisith Pramanik Union Minister of State for Home in his speech expressed his pleasure to witness the unique ‘Synergy in Diversity’ of Arunachal Pradesh. He stressed on the resolution of the Central Government in the development of Arunachal Pradesh. He ensured that socio economic development of remote border regions in the state and welfare of local population will be of prime importance. He also assured that issues and concerns of the state will be taken up at the Central level and projects envisaged for the state will be implemented with full rigour.
Shri Chowna Mein Dy. CM mentioned that the welfare of tribals and development of border areas in Arunachal Pradesh go hand in hand. Stressing on ‘Our Culture, Our Pride’, emphasized on the role of research and documentation of rich culture of the State. He also highlighted the achievements of the State in the preservation of indigenous culture.
Shri P D Sona, Speaker, Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly, in his address, threw light on the issues of connectivity in border areas, improving correlation between the forces and the local villagers and also requested the Central Government to consider the conditions and ground reality of the Border Areas while framing the policies at national level.
Shri Bamang Felix, Minister Home and Border Management etc. spoke on the efforts taken by the State in development of the border areas and capacity building of border personnel. He also talked about achievements in improving Policing system. He stressed that more concerted efforts need to be taken to enhance financial resources of the state, with support from Central government.
Shri Alo Libang Minister SJETA and Health highlighted the achievements of the state in welfare of tribals. He mentioned that the financial constraints of the State need due attention of the Central government and more assistance may be provided for holistic development of the state.
The Technical Session had two separate panel discussions – ‘Development of Border Areas’ and ‘Welfare of Tribals’. The experts on respective field was invited as panelist in the programme.
The Technical Session – I on Development of Border Areas was Moderated by Prof. Simon John, AITS, Rajiv Gandhi University and had the following persons as panelist
- Shri P.D Sona, Speaker Hon’ble Speaker, APLA-cum-Chairman, Indo-China Border Development Legislators Forum of Arunachal Pradesh
- Shri Shyam Mehrotra, Inspector General, ITBP NE Frontier,
- Shri Minga Sherpa IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Papum Pare District
- Brigadier A.S Konwar, Chief Engineer, Project Arunank
- Dr. Tejum Padu, Vice-Chancellor, North East Frontier Technical University
- Dr. Lobsang Jampa, Epidomologist, State Surveillance Officer, Dept. of Health
- Prof. Ashan Riddi, Head, Dept. of History, Rajiv Gandhi University
The Technical Session – II “Welfare of Tribals” was Moderated by Ms. Lisa Lomdak, Assistant Professor, AITS, Rajiv Gandhi University and had the following persons as panelist
- Smti. Padmini Singla IAS, Commissioner SJETA/Education/WCD, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh.
- Shri Y.D Thongchi IAS (Retd). Padmashree and President, Arunachal Pradesh Literary Society.
- Prof. Jumyir Basar, Director AITS, Rajiv Gandhi University.
- Prof. S.K Nayak, Dept. of Economics, Rajiv Gandhi University.
- Shri Bai Taba, Vice – President, Indigenous Faith And Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh
- Dr. Vijay Swami, Executive Director, RIWATCH
- Smti. Ratan Anya, Chairperson, Oju Welfare Association
The programme summed up with concluding remarks from Smti. Ayushi Sudan IAS, Special Secretary (Planning), Govt. of AP.
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MG/RNM
