Govt officials are the backbone of Arunachal’s development: CM Pema Khandu

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaFebruary 11, 2025

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu emphasized the pivotal role of government officers and district officials in driving the state’s development, calling them the “real backbone of governance.”

Speaking at a review meeting in Pasighat on Tuesday with officials from East Siang district, Khandu urged government employees to focus on finding solutions rather than dwelling on challenges to accelerate the state’s progress.

Khandu noted that while ministers and MLAs shape policies, the actual execution rests in the hands of government officials.

“Politicians are temporary, but government employees serve the people for over 30 years. Their honesty, efficiency, and dedication determine the success of governance,” he stated.

Reiterating the state government’s commitment to empowering district administration, Khandu highlighted the crucial role of Deputy Commissioners (DCs) in achieving Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat, Viksit Arunachal’ by 2047.

“As the chief administrative officers at the district level, DCs are the backbone of governance and development in Arunachal Pradesh. Strengthening districts is key to improving last-mile citizen service delivery,” he added.

Khandu announced the introduction of Bottom-Up Planning, where district-level vision and development plans will be prepared under the leadership of Deputy Commissioners.

Additionally, Guardian Ministers and Mentor Secretaries will conduct district review meetings, engaging with all stakeholders and submitting detailed reports to the government.

“Our goal is to identify the exact challenges and needs of each district and prioritize key areas for development,” Khandu said.

Referring to the recent Deputy Commissioners’ conference in Itanagar, he urged officials to align their implementation of schemes with the conference’s six thematic pillars Sundar Arunachal (Beautiful Arunachal), Samridh Arunachal (Prosperous Arunachal), Shikshit Arunachal (Educated Arunachal), Swasth Arunachal (Healthy Arunachal), Surakshit Arunachal (Secure Arunachal) and Swachch Arunachal (Clean Arunachal).

Highlighting Pasighat’s 100-year legacy as Arunachal’s oldest town, Khandu assured that no effort would be spared in making it one of the top cities in the state.

He also emphasized the need for unity and cooperation across political and social lines, asserting, “When it comes to the development of our state and the welfare of our people, we stand united as Team Arunachal.”

During the meeting, Khandu reviewed all flagship schemes of the state and central governments, as well as ongoing district development projects.

The session was attended by MLAs Oken Tayeng and Tabit Darang, BJP State President Kaling Moyong, Chief Councillor of Pasighat Municipal Council, as well as senior officials including the Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent of Police, and department heads.