ITANAGAR: Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Pema Khandu called on the state’s citizens to join forces with the government in a collective push toward achieving a “Viksit Arunachal,” or a developed Arunachal Pradesh, during his address at the 78th Independence Day celebrations.
Hoisting the national flag at Indira Gandhi Park in Itanagar, Khandu emphasized that the vision of a developed state hinges on the active participation and support of the people.
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“We stand today at a crossroads where tradition and modernity intersect. By responsibly leveraging our natural resources and preserving our cultural heritage, we can drive sustainable development that benefits all sections of society,” Khandu stated.
Highlighting recent progress, the chief minister noted that Arunachal Pradesh has been recognized as one of the “Front Runner States” in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) scoreboard for 2023-24, a significant improvement from its previous status as a “Performer State” in 2020-21.
However, he cautioned that there is more work to be done. “We will continue to pursue all SDG goals with a saturation approach,” Khandu affirmed.
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The Chief Minister also pointed out the state’s success in reducing multi-dimensional poverty by nearly 11% over the last three years, attributing this achievement to the collective efforts of the citizens.
He underscored the government’s commitment to the Antyodaya principle, which aims for the holistic well-being of the most marginalized individuals in society.
Looking ahead, Khandu outlined his vision for Arunachal Pradesh by 2047, centered on governance reforms aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability, and efficiency.
He emphasized the importance of good governance in building trust and satisfaction among citizens, and he reiterated the government’s commitment to eradicating poverty.
“Our goal is clear: by 2047, we envision a state where no one lives in poverty, ensuring economic prosperity reaches every household,” he said.
Khandu also spoke about the government’s digitalization efforts, with a target to fully digitize services by 2029, making them easily accessible to all citizens.
He stressed the importance of investing in education, skill development, and vocational training to empower the population to actively participate in the state’s growth.
In addition to economic goals, the Chief Minister highlighted environmental sustainability as a key priority.
He mentioned the Pakke Declaration 2047, under which Arunachal Pradesh has committed to climate-resilient development, with 75 strategies identified under the “Panch Dharas” framework.
Khandu announced plans for bottom-up planning to ensure development reaches every corner of the state, including the most remote villages.
He also unveiled initiatives aimed at improving connectivity and empowering women, such as the goal of making at least 21,000 women “Lakhpati Didis,” earning an annual income of more than one lakh rupees, within the next five years.
In a nod to the state’s rich cultural heritage, Khandu emphasized the government’s commitment to preserving and promoting Arunachal Pradesh’s unique linguistic, cultural, and social identity. He also introduced the SEE Trinity initiative—Skill Development, Entrepreneurship, Employment—aimed at creating over 25,000 employment opportunities, particularly for women.
To enhance public safety, particularly for women, the Chief Minister highlighted the government’s Pink Patrolling initiative, which will be expanded with advanced technologies, including GIS, AI, machine learning, and big data analytics, for effective crime prevention and resolution.
Concluding his speech, Khandu called on the people of Arunachal Pradesh to prepare for global challenges and to approach the future with renewed energy and determination.
“It is essential for us to think and act locally and globally,” he urged.