ITANAGAR, June 24 - Arunachal Pradesh Governor JP Rajkhowa today said that the State Government along with the Central Government has to give priority to the development of border areas.
�Some positive measures have to be initiated to instil a sense of security and negate the feeling of isolation amongst the (border) people,� stated the Governor while interacting with a delegation of Panchayat leaders from remote Monigong-Pidi Anchal Samity of West Siang district at the Raj Bhavan here today.
He also said that road communication, education, healthcare and water supply must be the �priority areas� of the Governments.
The delegates, led by Zilla Parishad member Tachi Hemi, met the Governor to apprise him of the problems and challenges of the people living in the international border blocks of Monigong and Pidi.
Emphasising on the road sector, the Governor said that the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) must expedite their projects in these remote areas. �Such proactive role of the official machineries will halt the exodus of people from the border areas.�
Saddened to learn that the border areas of Pidi and Monigong are going without power supply, and the people, officials and schoolchildren there are suffering, the Governor announced to provide 500 solar lamps to identical number of households of the area from his �discretionary grant�. He, at the same time, suggested for solar and wind powered projects for the far-flung villages.
Further, expressing surprise on learning that the people of the area were �not issued BPL cards,� depriving them of the special provisions provided to poorer sections of the society, he advised that NGOs of the area must come forward and work for the community, create awareness and at the same time check fraudulent practices.
The Governor also emphasised that the officials posted in the border blocks and administrative centres must be in their place of posting for sound administration and smooth functioning in promptly addressing the people�s problems.
Disciplinary action must be taken against those who are not in their place of posting; he advised the Principal Secretary (Personnel) Satya Gopal, who along with Secretary to Governor Dr Joram Beda and Additional Secretary B S Hada were also present to issue a �circular� regarding this malpractice.
