Ministry of DoNER and Government of Arunachal Pradesh in collaboration with North Eastern Council organized a penal discussion on “Welfare of Tribals and Border Management” on Saturday here in the DK Auditorium of Arunachal Legislative Assembly at Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh. This thematic event was held as a part of the North East Fest-2022 under Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM) being organized by the Ministry of DoNER, Government of India celebrating India’s 75 years of Independence. The programme was locally hosted by the Department of Planning and Investment, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh.
Nitish Pramanik, Union Minister of State, Home Affairs while speaking on the occasion as Chief Guest expressed his pleasure to witness the unique ‘Synergy in Diversity’ of Arunachal Pradesh. Stressing upon the resolution of the Central Government in the development of Arunachal Pradesh, he said that socio-economic development of remote border regions in the state and welfare of local population hold 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.
Chowna Mein, Deputy Chief Minister, Arunachal Pradesh 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 PD Sona, Speaker, Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly 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.
Smt. Padmini Singla IAS, Commissioner SJETA/Education, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh and felicitations of the Guests.
Two Technical Sessions held under panel discussions included ‘Development of Border Areas’ and ‘Welfare of Tribals’. The first technical session was moderated by Prof. Simon John, AITS, Rajiv Gandhi University. 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, Minga Sherpa 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 and Prof. Ashan Riddi, Head, Dept. of History, Rajiv Gandhi University participated as panellists.
The second session was Moderated by Ms. Lisa Lomdak, Assistant Professor, AITS, Rajiv Gandhi University while Padmini Singla, Commissioner SJETA/Education/WCD, 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, Bai Taba, Vice-President, Indigenous Faith and Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh, Dr. Vijay Swami, Executive Director, RIWATCH and Ratan Anya, Chairperson, Oju Welfare Association joined as panellists. Ayushi Sudan, Special Secretary (Planning) presented concluding remarks and vote of thanks.
During the weeklong AKAM celebration, a number of cultural activities and events such as Lion & Peacock Dance, AjhiLhamu Dance, Miji Dance, Sherdukpen Dance, Rikhampada Dance, Aka Dance Rikhampada Dance, Puroik Dance, Rikhampada Dance, Juju-Jaja Dance, Buya Dance, PakuItu Dance, Si-Ome Dance, Galo Dance, AnyalePinku e Dance, Ge Moti Leelo Dance, Erap dance, Memba dance, Bokar dance, Tapu dance, Ponung dance, Roja Dance, Idudance,Igu Priest dance, Idu group dance, Ta-Tatong dance, Meyor dance,Digaru dance, Miju dance, Umbrella dance, Peacock dance, Ora Ora dance, Lungchang Dance, Nocte dance Ollo dance, Wancho war dance and WanchoOriah dance from are being organized since 28th April and would last till 04th May, 2022, the valedictory function at Guwahati.
It is important to mention here that all the eight North Eastern States are celebrating the North East Festival as part of the celebration of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM), which began on a fervent note from the 28th April and will culminate on 04th May, 2022 at Guwahati. Various events are being organized as part of the main celebration in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura. Thematic events are being organized by each state during the period will help in accelerating development of NER. Besides, as a part of Jan Bhagidhari (Peoples’ participation)–various activities are being carried out from States to Districts to Block levels in entire North East.
Among others those who were present on occasion included Planning Advisor (NEC) Calvin Harris Kharshiing, Brigadier AS Kanwar and DC Sham Mahrotra.
