Arunachal gets first human development report

Itanagar, Apr 21 (UNI) Arunachal Pradesh today earned the distinction of becoming the 16th state in the country to have Human Development Report(HDR) with Chief Minister Gegong Apang releasing it at a function here.

''The important document would not only help the planning process of the state but also help the government work for its development,'' Mr. Apang said while appreciating the authorities of Rajiv Gandhi University(RGU), which had been entrusted with the responsibility to prepare the report.

The project started in 1998, was jointly financed by the United Nations Development Programmes(UNDP), Planning Commission and the Arunachal Pradesh government. The report highlighted the various aspects of human development in the state, which is not to the required standard in comparison to other states.

The report aimed at drawing attention to overall well being of the people of the state by analysing several socio-economic indicators including income, literacy, health and reproductive child health, access to drinking water facilities, gender issues etc.

''The life expectancy of the people is directly related with the road communication and this aspect should be looked after by the state government in a more holistic maner,'' commented Dr. Maxine Olson, UNDP representative and UN Resident Coordinator speaking on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion Dr. R Bandopadhyaya, Advisor (RD), Planning Commission, informed that the union government was committed to the development of the North Eastern states, particularly Arunachal Pradesh.

While urging the state government to catch hold of the ten per cent share of each ministry for development of the region, Dr.

Bandopadhyaya said the Centre had made mandatory on the part of each ministries to contribute ten per cent share of their fund for development of Northeast.

He also advocated for formation of District Planning Committees (DPCs) for endorsing all plans suitable for the development of rural areas, which should be submitted to the state planning board for forwarding to the Planning Commission for necessary approval.

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