Pul meet with Rajnath and Smriti, Discussed various problems
New Delhi
Chief Minister Kalikho Pul called on Union Minister for Home Affairs Rajnath Singh Union Minister of Human Resource Development (HRD) Smriti Irani on Thursday and appealed for a special developmental and financial package for border areas aimed at providing habitation facilities for border communities living along the India China border in Arunachal.
The CM informed that there is an alarming trend of migration of border population to urban centres, which is resulting in unclaimed and unoccupied areas, making the border prone to incursions. He said it is a major cause of concern and asserted that steps need to be taken to ensure that these border communities continue to inhabit their lands. The CM also raised concern over absence of basic facilities for troop patrolling upto last border point that continue to hinder effective patrolling of the border areas.
He therefore appealed for facilities in border areas that included foot suspension bridges, culverts and log bridges, hutments, water supply, health assistance, basic education, power, telecommunication and media reach, CC steps for use by both villagers and defence personnel.
The home minister appreciated the concern expressed by the CM and promised all support from the centre. To expedite the process immediately, he requested for a comprehensive proposal on improving the habitation facilities in the border areas.
The minister also agreed to CM’s request for creation of 4411 posts in state’s police department, which today has a shortage of 5760 posts against its various establishments.
On citizenship to the Chakma and Hajong refugees settled in Arunachal Pradesh, the CM said that change of status of the refugees has to be handled very delicately, as any hasty action will impact the sense of integration of the Arunachal tribals living in these areas and will also give rise to law and order problems. He therefore asserted on the need to find a creative and non-confrontational solution to the issue.
During his visit to the North Block, the CM also met Union Minister for Home Affairs, Kiren Rijiju.
Chief Minister Kalikho Pul also met Union Minister of Human Resource Development (HRD) Smriti Irani and apprised her on the poor education scenario of the state.
Highlighting on poor infrastructure support for education, the CM informed that several government schools and colleges lack sufficient infrastructures and all-weather buildings. He said many of these buildings were constructed during the union territory days, which have outlived their lifespan and needed complete renovation. Also many schools and colleges didn’t come even close to having basic facilities such as proper toilet facilities each for girls and boys, proper kitchen and dining facilities, a playground and a library with sufficient reading material, adequate classrooms, electrification, hostels and teachers’ quarters.
To meet the infrastructure requirements, the CM informed that a realistic proposal taking feedbacks and inventory reports from all the districts, sub-divisions and administrative blocks are being prepared, which will enable the government to have complete information on the requirements of each school in the state.
However, funding was a big constraint in achieving the targeted plan for education sector as state has limited resource base, said the CM and appealed for a one-time special package.
The minister assured to give backup and full support to the state government’s endeavor and asked if the state could come up more ideas and plans to bring improvement in the education sector.
Also the minister said the state could give more priority to adult education and suggested that the ministry could also publish a story on CM Pul’s childhood struggle on education, which would serve as source of inspiration for many.
On higher and technical education, the CM urged on establishment of Institutions of national repute viz. AIIMS, lIT, IIM and Law School in the state. Also he requested to make functional the state university at Pasighat, which could not take off owing to paucity of funds.
Also apprising her on the delay in disbursement of 2 months salary for 9803 SSA functionaries in the state, he informed that for SSA salary, the state government has already released its state-matching share of Rs. 3310.92 lakhs for the current financial year.
He informed that the state government is now awaiting the release of centre’s matching share of Rs 7079.40 lakhs in addition to its earlier grant of Rs. 181179.44 Lakhs.
