Khandu Champions Inclusive Growth in Arunachal
New Measures Target Vulnerable Groups, Tribal Heritage
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu reaffirmed his government’s commitment to inclusive development, unveiling a slew of initiatives aimed at uplifting vulnerable communities, preserving tribal heritage, and fostering women-led economic progress. In a detailed post on X, Khandu emphasized, “Arunachal Pradesh is ensuring every section of society moves forward together,” highlighting policies designed to bridge socio-economic gaps in the northeastern state.
A cornerstone of these efforts is the CM’s Social Security Scheme, which has provided financial support to over 68,000 elderly citizens, widows, and persons with disabilities, ensuring a safety net for the state’s most marginalized. For rural development, Mission Antyodaya has allocated Rs 435 crore for the 2025-26 fiscal year, focusing on improving basic services like water, sanitation, and electricity, while creating livelihood opportunities in remote areas, as reported by The Arunachal Times.
To preserve the state’s rich tribal heritage, Khandu announced plans to establish ‘gurukuls’ for communities such as the Apatani, Mishmi, Wancho, Tutsa, Sherdukpen, and Sajolang, integrating their languages and cultural practices into school curricula. The Puroik Welfare Board has been revitalized to protect the rights of the historically disadvantaged Puroik community, with targeted welfare programs, including education and healthcare access, as noted in a recent government release.
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Economic empowerment is another priority, with the formation of 11,730 new women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs) under the Arunachal State Rural Livelihoods Mission. These SHGs, supported by Rs 15,000 seed funding each, aim to promote entrepreneurship in sectors like handicrafts and agriculture. Additionally, the ARUNima brand, showcasing tribal products like handwoven textiles and organic produce, has been launched on e-commerce platforms like Amazon and Flipkart, expanding market reach and boosting local economies.
Khandu also highlighted the full digitization of the Public Distribution System (PDS), with ePoS machines installed at over 2,000 fair price shops to enhance transparency and curb leakages. “From social security to digital reforms and cultural preservation, every initiative is building an inclusive Arunachal,” Khandu stated. Posts on X praise the initiatives but urge faster implementation in remote districts like Anjaw and Kra Daadi, reflecting public hope for transformative change.
