ARUNACHAL PRADESH: VICE PRESIDENT LAYS FOUNDATION STONE FOR TWO ‘AMRUT’ PROJECTS

Vice President of India, Venkaiah Naidu laid the foundation stone for Septage Management System and Storm Water Drainage System for Itanagar under AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation) scheme on Saturday in presence of Governor Brig (Retd) Dr B D Mishra, Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, Home Minister Kumar Waii and other Ministers among others.

Addressing the gathering at Dorjee Khandu State Convention Centre here, Naidu said the projects the costs of which are estimated at Rs 16.59 cr and Rs 14.53 cr respectively are aimed at improving the urban infrastructure related to drainage system and improving the urban landscape. Naidu, who is on a maiden visit to Arunachal as Vice President, said he is delighted to be in Arunachal on the happy occasion of laying of foundation stone for two very important projects.

Describing Arunachal as a very beautiful state, Naidu said the state is well on the road to become a mighty state in terms of development under a helpful Prime Minister and a dutiful Chief Minister. “Arunachal Pradesh has a pride of place in our national scheme of things being a very important border state,” said Naidu. He emphasized on peace, both beyond and within our boundaries as crucial ingredient for rapid development of our country. “We believe in resolving differences through negotiations in an atmosphere of trust and good will,” said the Vice President.

Speaking on the occasion, the Governor said that Centre is giving lots of attention for development of the State under its Act East Policy. Now it is for the people of the State and the region to make best use of the opportunity. Expressing hope that the projects for which foundation stones were laid on the day, the Governor reiterated that for proper implementation of any project, there should be transparency, accountability, continuity, audit & review and mid course correction, if required. This is “mool mantra” of development, he added.

Earlier in his speech, Chief Minister said the Vice President during his tenure as Urban Minister brought out the concept of AMRUT scheme to improve living conditions in urban areas as he had visualized that India is moving away from villages to urban areas. He also said “It was also during his (Naidu) tenure that Smart City Mission was launched and we Arunachali are fortunate to have two Smart Cities – Itanagar and Pasighat, making us among the few states in India and the only one in Northeast to have such privilege. I sincerely thank Naidu ji who made this possible.”

The CM made fervent appeal to the Vice President for separate IAS/IFS/IPS cadre for Arunachal saying that the state is lagging in development indices because of lack of such facilities which are responsible for robust policy making. The Dy CM hoped that the projects will be completed well in time and the State Capital will see tremendous improvement in the Sewage Management and Drainage System on its successful implementation.

Informing on various initiatives taken by state govt with the agenda of “change”, he said the key thematic thrust areas for development of the state are based on policy objectives to ensure transparency in public spending.