Khandu pursuing Centre for enhancing Arunachal's ration quota

Itanagar, Nov 29 (UNI) Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu has asserted that development cannot be achieved until people participate fully in it, while referring to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's mega economic package which is under execution in full swing.

Inaugurating the second Poy Pee Mau Tai Khamti New Year festival at Chongkham in Lohit district yesterday, Mr Khandu informed that he was urging the Centre to enhance the present ration quota in respect of Arunachal Pradesh considering its tough terrain which is unsuitable to produce foodgrains, official sources said here today.

He said he was confident that the Centre would consider the genuine request as the latter had been showing positive attitude towards this landlocked Himalayan state.

The Chief Minister was responding to the memorandum submitted by the locals for increasing the existing quota of rice.

Assuring to take up the plea for upgradation of Chongkham Circle Headquarters to Extra Assistant Commissioner headquarters in the next Cabinet meeting, Mr Khandu promised to give due consideration to the demand of the Namsai Subdivision for a new district in the days to come.

He also assured to grant fund for permanent ground for Poi Pee Mau annual festival as requested by the festival committee.

Agreeing to the request of the people of Lohit district for laying railway line to Parusharam Kund, the Chief Minister said he would try his utmost to impress upon the Prime Minister and Railway Minister Lalu Prasad to connect the place with railways.

Lamenting the ''invasion of modernisation'', especially among the younger generation resulting to extinction of indigenous culture and tradition, the Chief Minister advocated for preserving culture to save the tribals' identity.

He also urged the elders to maintain the continuity of the festival in order to instill the sense of preservation of age-old culture among the youths.

Mr Khandu disclosed that his government was in constant touch with the Centre for awarding the state with Peace and Green Bonus so that the much awaited Sixth Pay Commission could be implemented in the state.

''In response to our plea, the Centre has already constituted a high level committee for the purpose and directed to place its reports within two months,'' Mr Khandu informed, adding the implementation could be possible by January.

Later, the Chief Minister, during his visit to Alubari Secondary School, assured to provide fund for renovation of the dilapidated school building, besides looking after other issues confronting the institution.

Mr Khandu also inspected the Higher Secondary School and promised to take up the matter of improving school infrastructure with the concerned minister, the sources added.

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