Arunachal Pradesh launched 'Dulari Kanya', a special scheme to check infant mortality in the state, on the occasion of the 68th Republic Day today.
Governor V Shanmuganathan launched the scheme, under which the government will deposit Rs 20,000 in the bank account of a girl child, born in any government hospital. It would be paid along with the accrued interest after she attains 18 years of her age.
Terming it as a "visionary programme" of the state government, he said it would not only arrest infant mortality but also keep a track of all pregnant mothers so that they avail of pre-natal and ante-natal care in the government health centres and go for institutional deliveries.
"My government will work tirelessly to put Arunachal Pradesh in an unprecedented growth trajectory," he said, unfurling the national flag and urged all citizens to contribute to the growth story and be its "proud" partners.
"I can foresee that Arunachal will be a bright spot in the country, with an accelerated inclusive growth, equity and all round development," he said.
Highlighting various schemes initiated by the government, Shanmuganathan said the state had already submitted proposals to the Centre for improvement of infrastructure in the international border areas to check stress migration.
"The proposals having an estimated cost of about Rs 8000 crore in the sectors of health, education, rural connectivity, hydropower, solar energy, public distribution system and drinking water have been submitted. This will bring about a massive development in the remote border areas of the state," he said.
Despite resource constraints the recommendations of 7th Pay Commission had been implemented in Arunachal Pradesh, he said, as he cautioned that the government would not tolerate indiscipline and corruption from any government servant irrespective of rank and strictest of action would be taken against employees found indulging in corrupt practices.
The governor asked the people to be a part of "Team Arunachal" and said the government on its part is committed to financial inclusion and Jan Dhan Account-Aadhar-Mobile trinity for all citizens of the state. Till date the state has 13 lakh bank accounts and 8.5 lakh citizens have been issued Aadhar numbers. Mobile phone penetration is also encouraging.
"The blueprint for development of the state is three pronged with a robust network of connectivity of road, rail, air and IT. The focus areas includes making the state as the organic hub and fruit bowl of India, as the hydropower capital of the country and as home for spiritual, wellness and adventure tourism," he added.
Shanmuganathan said with the commissioning of the six
advanced landing grounds (ALGs) in Arunachal Pradesh it is imperative that the commercial air service within the state and outside be started immediately.
Air India would soon start a dedicated service in the state, he said, adding the government was also contemplating on having a fixed wing aircraft on wet lease and to connect these six airfields which could be used for passenger service, medical evacuation and during disaster situations.
"The Centre is ready to sanction projects worth Rs 50,000 crore in the road sector in addition to the roads sanctioned under PMGSY (Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana). The proposal of the state government for constructing a 430-km long double lane east-west highway along the foothills at a total cost of Rs 5,244 crore has been accepted by the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways," he said.
The governor said the government would ensure that the investors get tailor-made policies to invest in the state and for this it was working for amendment to land laws.
Arunachal, he said, would generate 710 MW of hydro power this year and the government would take concrete steps to end the deadlock on the lingering hydro power projects.
On the education sector, he said the government has decided to convert at least one existing school in each district into a model school, equipped with modern and latest learning and infrastructural facilities.
The schools have been identified and work is being done in a time-bound manner by the authorities concerned.
He congratulated the state government for maintenance of law and order, saying "In the last six months the state has not witnessed a single bandh call. This will be one of our main strengths in attracting investments and no stone shall be left unturned for ensuring peace and sound law and order system in the state."
The governor said 2,600 posts in various ranks of police would be filled up soon in a time bound manner and Rs 107 crore had been recently sanctioned for building police infrastructure.
"The government will ensure that the Rule of Law is observed in all aspects of governance in the state," he said, adding incidents of intimidation and harassment of government servants by unions, associations and groups would be firmly dealt with.
