The Arunachal Chief Minister – Pema Khandu advocated for eight pillars of focus for holistic development of villages that would prevent migration of rural folk to urban areas for health, education, connectivity, electricity, livelihood, agriculture, sanitation and water supply.

Citing these aspects, Khandu informed that the state administration is developing the requisite strategy to empower all villages of the state within the forthcoming years.

Attending the Golden Jubilee celebration of Biru village in West Siang district on Wednesday, the CM noted that PM Modi focused on empowering villages through the centrally-sponsored schemes.

He mentioned that 8 prospects – proper health facility, quality education, weather connectivity, 24×7 power supply, sustainable livelihood, economically viable agriculture, sanitation, hygiene and potable water supply to each household are indispensable factors to empower hamlets.

“The most important unit of our country is a village. Only when our villages are empowered, the country will develop. Arunachal’s identity is in our villages,” Khandu said.

Expressing concern over migration of citizens from rural locations to towns and cities, Khandu remarked that if this trend is not restricted, the state’s villages might disappear along with its unique cultural identity.

The CM urged gram panchayat leaders, gaon buras to closely supervise all projects being implemented in their respective villages and ensure the quality of the work and its prompt completion.

Regarding accessibility, Khandu assured that the under construction sections of the Trans Arunachal Highway along the district will be completed by next year.

He also informed that the union ministry of road, transport and highways has approved sanction of additional 2500 kms of highways for the state worth Rs 44000 crore.

In response to a one-point memorandum provided by the local populace, Khandu assured that funds for the construction of a playground will be made available during this fiscal year.