In first of the series of pre-budget consultative meetings, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, along with Home Minister Bamang Felix, on June 25 held a detailed discussion with community based organisations (CBOs) on the scope of budget 2019-20.
Besides CBOs, representatives of Arunachal Pradesh Women’s Welfare Society (APWWS) also attended the meeting to make the consultation all-inclusive.
Expressing gratitude to the CBOs and women’s representatives, the CM said this is his third meeting (since 2017) with them and pointed a sea change in suggestions put forth by the members.
“I can notice a change in the mindset of our community leaders. Besides suggesting way forward for their respective communities, they are today concerned about the entire state and encouraging pan-Arunachal welfare and progress measures,” Khandu said.
During the meeting, Khandu stressed on significance of the role that can be played by CBOs in an extremely dynamic and multi-polar society like Arunachal Pradesh not only in successfully implementing welfare schemes but also to maintain law and order.
“Role of CBOs is of utmost significance. You are sanctioned by the community you represent to decide for them. The government cannot function successfully without your support and cooperation,” he said.
The CM assured the representatives that each and every suggestion submitted by them will be minutely studied and accommodated in the budget as far as possible.
“This practice (of consultative meetings) is a new beginning in the right direction. We will see the results of today after 15-20 years, when we may not be in the position where we are today,” he said.
Calling budget preparation a ‘big exercise’, the deputy CM appreciated the CBOs for their interest in helping the government in the exercise.
He informed this year’s budget would focus on road communication, education, health and agri-horti sectors.
Mein, who also holds the finance portfolio, suggested doing away with individual-centric schemes saying, “We have to concentrate on issues and projects that benefit a society”.
