ITANAGAR, June 26 - Continuing the pre-Budget consultations for the second day today, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, along with Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, held a meeting with all non-BJP legislators of the State and sought inputs from them on the forthcoming Budget for the State.
Khandu and Mein explained to the lawmakers, including senior Congress leader and former Chief Minister Nabam Tuki and former MP Ninong Ering, that the State Government has resolved to overhaul the planning process, which will now start from the grassroot level.
They said that in order to do away with �individual-centric� schemes, all developmental projects would be decided at the district level through the District planning committees and included in the annual Budget. They added that the legislators concerned would be duly consulted during selection of schemes and the same would be recommended to the State Government by the planning committees with their approval.
�Contrary to the misconception, this will give more powers to the elected representatives as no scheme or project will be approved by the Government without their consent or knowledge,� Khandu stressed.
The Chief Minister further assured that every constituency �irrespective of the MLA�s party affiliation � would be treated equally, and there would be need-based and equitable distribution of funds.
�We have wasted much of our resources on projects and schemes beneficial to a few individuals. We are going to stop this completely,� Khandu added.
Former Chief Minister Tuki, while appreciating the initiative, suggested that budgetary allocations be provided to complete all the ongoing schemes and projects first. He also urged the Government to resolve the burgeoning issue of unemployment and suggested that the tourism potential of the State may be tapped to cope with the problem.
Echoing similar concerns, Congress legislator Ninong Ering asked the Government to concentrate on paving the way for corporates and investors in Arunachal Pradesh. Till corporate giants do not invest in industries, providing employment to the youths will be a big burden for the Government, he pointed out.
The lone PPA MLA, Kardo Nyigyor, suggested promoting the veterinary and fishery sectors for employment generation. He said that these sectors are yet to be tapped on a large scale as they have immense potential to change the State�s rural economy.
All the 14 legislators present in the meeting were unanimous in appreciating the Government�s effort to streamline the planning process. Extending support to the initiative, they expressed their gratitude to the Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister for consulting them despite the fact they belong to other parties, in preparing the budget, stated a communique from the CMO here.
