Arunachal: CM Pema Khandu Stresses Road Connectivity and Youth Empowerment for Regional Development

ITANAGAR: In a significant conversation at the 9th edition of Northeast Leaders Connect, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister, Pema Khandu, emphasized the pivotal role of road connectivity and youth empowerment in propelling the development of the state and the region. Speaking with Hekani Jakhalu, advisor of Industries & Commerce, Khandu highlighted the transformative impact of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's approach since 2014, particularly in the development of the Northeast region.

Khandu detailed the strides in road connectivity, with over 3,500 km of roads, including state highways, frontier highways, and interstate connectivity roads, either completed or in progress. He underscored the profound effect of well-constructed roads in facilitating talent expression, hard work, and contributing to economic growth.

Youth empowerment took center stage in Khandu's vision for Arunachal Pradesh. He established the Staff Selection Board (SSB) in 2017 to ensure meritocracy in youth recruitment, breaking the cycle of political and backdoor appointments that had plagued the state. Focused on the largest segment of the state's population, Khandu stressed the importance of supporting youth through schemes, startups, and initiatives that foster creativity and independence.

Highlighting the state's commitment to women's empowerment, Khandu mentioned the formation of over 9,300 Self Help Groups benefiting more than 85,000 women, connecting them with banking services. Recognizing the rural focus, he emphasized the need to empower villages and uplift the rural population.

Discussing the efficient functioning of his government, Khandu advocated for the implementation of an e-filing system in government offices, ensuring transparency and reducing corruption by streamlining the approval process. Leveraging technology, he explained his ability to sanction files from any location.

In a departure from VIP culture, Khandu shared his unconventional approach to security, attributing it to not being a politician at heart. He expressed a lack of enemies, allowing him to move without bodyguards or assistants, even opting for autorickshaws during visits to Delhi to avoid unnecessary attention.

Commending Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio's Hornbill festival, Khandu appreciated the initiative for uniting the 16 tribes, acknowledging the challenge inherent in such an endeavor. Overall, Pema Khandu's insights shed light on his comprehensive approach to development, combining infrastructure, youth empowerment, and innovative governance practices for the progress of Arunachal Pradesh and the entire Northeast region.

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