Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Saturday said that he totally agrees with former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s five principles (Panchsheel) for the policy to be pursued vis-à-vis the tribals.
Speaking at the first ever joint conference of Anganwadi and ASHA workers held here on Saturday Khandu stressed that time has come for Arunachal to remodel, rethink and reshape its development discourse with proper planning and policy reforms to an audience of more 500 Anganwadi and ASHA workers that had gathered from various districts.
While addressing the joint conference at Kalawangpo Hall in Tawang, Khandu said, “Arunachal should develop at their own pace with safeguards to ensure their well-being.”
He, however, lamented that Arunachal did not receive proper hand holding from Government of India since its journey from NEFA to statehood resulting in deteriorated work culture and development disparity in the state during the conference organized by Arunachal Pradesh Anganwadi Workers & Helpers Union (AAPAWHU), affiliated to Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh.
Speaking on labour reforms, Khandu said that even without any demands placed, the State Government has enhanced the honorarium of 12050 Anganwadi workers and helpers to Rs 1500. He announced an additional honorarium of Rs 500 on the occasion, which will be implemented from next month.
He also said if additional enhancement is required it will be examined and matter brought to the cabinet. Also considering the important role played by ASHA workers, the CM informed that benefits have already been announced in the budget.
The Arunachal Pradesh CM informed that at present the Centre is working on minimum wages for workers and when announced will be implemented in the State as well. He said State Government would also work out mechanism to regularize WCs and contingency workers.
Informing on important initiatives of state government, Khandu said that ‘Sarkar Aapke Dwar’ programme by district administration is being carried our successfully across the states. He said more than 1 lakh beneficiaries have benefitted from the programme.
Informing on air connectivity, the CM said that Tezu airport will be made operational soon as tender process is completed and finalized. He informed that state government will also start its own aircraft services to connect the six ALGs in the State.
Earlier the conference began with a ceremonial lighting of lamp. Guest of Honour Lumla MLA Jambey Tashi, Arunachal Pradesh Welfare Workers Board Chairman Jalley Sonam, All India Organizing Secretary of Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh Surendra Kumar Pandey, NE Incharge BMS Sunil Kirwar and President AAPAWHU Yeshi Sonam also spoke.