Khandu urges Panchayat leaders to work dedicatedly

Itanagar, June 21 (UNI) Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu has exhorted the elected Panchayat leaders to address the challenges for the uplift of the people at grassroots level.

Addressing the first meeting of the Zilla Parishad governing body at Tawang yesterday, Mr Khandu hoped that the elected Panchayat leaders would deliver public service with utmost dedication, sincerity and in an impartial manner, official sources said.

Appealing to the people to extend their whole-hearted cooperation to the elected Panchayat leaders for success of the democratic goals behind the constitution of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), he also disclosed the government's decision to devolve powers to the PRIs on 29 subjects with adequate financial powers.

The Chief Minister, however, clarified that there would be separate powers for legislative and Panchayat on the above subjects and there would be non-interference in either of their powers.

He urged the leaders to shoulder the responsibility of making the district a genuine tourist destination which he said was one of the leading earning sources for the people of this district and the state as well.

The Chief Minister also categorically advised them to maintain cleanliness of the roads and surroundings from Sella to Zimithang and fix uniform rate for taxis.

Taking serious note of the illegal deforestation, mining and quarrying along the roads of the district, the Chief Minister directed the district administration and forest department to immediately check the menace and suggested for implementing stringent laws to deal with the law-breakers.

He further opined for planting more trees and requested the Panchayat leaders to spread awareness on importance of forests among the villagers.

Lamenting over the shortage of medicines in the district hospitals despite funds being provided under decentralised plan, the Chief Minister said it must be ascertained that the medicines reached the needy people, adding that the government was evolving an appropriate plan and policy.

Alarmed over the prevalence of HIV/AIDS throughout the state, including Tawang district, the Chief Minister urged the leaders to spread awareness about the disease in their Panchayat meetings and village gatherings.

He also emphasised for voluntary testing of HIV/AIDS to check the menace.

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