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Itanagar, Nov 21 (IANS) Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Friday gave a strong message against corruption and urged community-based organizations to lead a collective fight for transparency and accountability in the state’s development.
Speaking at the 14th General Conference of the Nyishi Elite Society (NES) in Koloriang, CM Khandu expressed serious concern over alleged large-scale irregularities in land compensation for the Lada-Sarli stretch of the Frontier Highway in East Kameng district.
Preliminary findings indicate “large-scale misuse” of compensation funds, he said.
The Chief Minister said, “Whose money is this? It belongs to the taxpayers of this country. The central government invests thousands of crores of rupees for the development of Arunachal, and we cannot allow a few individuals to derail the progress because of greed.” He warned that strict action would be taken against those found guilty.
Describing the Frontier Highway as a transformative project for the frontier areas, the Chief Minister regretted that the actions of “a few people” had pushed back the timeline.
He appealed to the NES to lead a strong, statewide movement against corruption and the growing money culture.
Chief Minister Khandu also used the platform to urge CBOs (community-based organizations), NGOs (non-governmental organizations) and student bodies to campaign against electoral malpractices, given that the panchayat and municipal elections are approaching.
The Chief Minister reminded the gathering that as the apex body of the state’s largest tribe, NES plays the responsibility of ‘big brother’ in guiding and uniting the 26 major tribes and over 100 sub-tribes of Arunachal Pradesh.
“In a diverse state like ours, organizations like NES are important to strengthen unity in diversity – our greatest strength,” he said.
Chief Minister Khandu praised NES’s contribution to education, youth empowerment, cultural preservation and social reform, describing it as “a symbol of leadership and progressive thinking”.
The Chief Minister welcomed the inclusion of an environment protection session in the NES conference, calling it “timely and necessary”.
He expressed concern over the large-scale felling of hills, especially in the Itanagar capital region, and urged the adoption of construction practices suited to the terrain.
Chief Minister Khandu also pressed the NES to support the state government in improving the quality of education and tackling the growing menace of drug abuse.
He said, CBO has unmatched influence at the grassroots level.
On the issue of illegal immigrants, CM Khandu said that discussions at the government level have identified serious weaknesses in the existing Inner Line Permit (ILP) system.
“We are working to completely digitalize the ILP system, remove loopholes, ensure accountability and make employers responsible for migrant workers,” he said.
Reiterating his concern over youth unemployment, CM Khandu urged all CBOs to support the concept of dignity in labour.
He cautioned, “Unless our youth understand that no job is small, the influx of migrant workers will continue and affect our demographic balance.”
–IANS
SC/KHz