In line with the Act East policy aimed at fostering the development of the Northeast region, the Government of India has been actively pursuing various initiatives to ensure attention and progress for every state and district in the region. Recently, the Easternmost District of Arunachal Pradesh, Longding, has garnered significant attention from both the Government of Arunachal Pradesh and the Government of India. As part of a series of high-level visits to assess the ground realities of policy implementation, Renuka Singh Saruta, Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, visited Longding on July 14.
Accompanied by several dignitaries, including Honchun Ngandam, Minister of RWD and Science & Technology, Gabriel Denwang Wangsu, MLA 58th Kanubari constituency, and Abu Tayeng, Secretary Tribal Affairs and Youth & Sports of the Government of Arunachal Pradesh, Renuka Singh Saruta embarked on a comprehensive tour of the district.
During her visit, the Union Minister and her delegation visited various project sites to assess progress. They met with beneficiaries of the PM-Awas Yojana for All (Urban) and engaged in fruitful interactions to gain insights into their opinions. Additionally, a newly constructed Material Recovery Facility (MRF) building under the Urban Development & Housing Department was inaugurated by the visiting Minister. The MRF has the capacity to process two tons of solid waste daily, contributing to the segregation, recycling, and upcycling of materials. The project, costing 100.00 Lakhs, was sanctioned in 2021.
Furthermore, Renuka Singh Saruta inspected the 60-bed district hospital in Longding and evaluated the functioning of the blood bank on its premises. The delegation also visited the rainwater harvesting and storage plant at Senua village, assessing its effectiveness in implementing the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM). The Union Minister engaged with villagers, reviewing the on-ground implementation of government-initiated credit funding schemes such as Mudra Loans and MSME Loans. Drawing from her experience with the Gujarat Model, Renuka Singh Saruta encouraged villagers to venture into cattle rearing and dairy farming. She emphasized the importance of self-help group (SHG) formation and assured the villagers of all possible support from the Union Government.
Following the field visit, a meeting and interaction program were held with elected representatives and officials. Bani Lego, the Deputy Commissioner of Longding, presented a performance index of the district’s implementation of Centrally Sponsored Schemes. Taking note of concerns raised, Union Minister of State Renuka Singh Saruta praised the successful implementation of Centrally Sponsored Schemes in some sectors. She emphasized the need to intensify efforts to achieve targets in other sectors. Her assurance of providing all necessary assistance and support from the central government uplifted the morale of many present.
