Create think tanks for planned devp: NKC advisor

Itanagar, May 30: National Knowledge Commission(NKC) advisor S Raghunathan has suggested the creation of two Think Tanks in Arunachal Pradesh for planned development in the state.

The advisor, who along with Kiran Datar, advisor(NKC) and Numita Dalmia, research associates (NKC), arrived here yesterday on a three-day tour to the state, called on Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu at his office, official sources here today informed.

He suggested that one Think Tank should be created under the chairmanship of chief minister and the other under chief secretary respectively, whose reference would be to discuss the developmental needs of the state so as to meet the demands of the state.

''Every developed state has such Think Tanks and Arunachal also requires constituting think tanks for becoming a developed state,'' he asserted.

''We need to train our youths in a particular trade with emphasis on high potential hydropower and tourism sectors, which would create more job opportunities and ensure definite development.'' he emphatically said.

Instead of including any more subjects in the school and college curriculum, the students should be trained in those fields relevant to the hilly state. Such planning would certainly generate more employment avenues and develop the state at par with other states of the country, he said.

He said knowledge was a must for any tangible development and the Think Tanks would provide the basis for imparting knowledge.

While emphasising on proper documentation of traditional knowledge on medicines, folklores and education, Mr Raghunathan stressed on the urgent need to utilise traditional know-how for improving the present planning strategies. He also opted for people's participation and use of local material for boosting tourism in the state.

The advisor also suggested that the chief minister should take up 'Bhagidari' scheme for city planning like that of Delhi. He said that such public Private Partnership Policy has been very successful and Arunachal needs to adopt it.

Pointing out that a detailed discussion on the matter was required, Mr Khandu assured him of meeting the NKC advisors during his next visit to New Delhi, sources added.

UNI