PASIGHAT, Mar 22: RD, PR & Cooperation Minister Ojing Tasing today flagged off Gram Bandhu Project, an innovative income enhancement project under the revamped Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA 2025–26) of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj at the IGJHSS auditorium here.
As part of the initiative implemented by the Department of Panchayati Raj in the State, Tasing distributed keys of e-Rickshaws/Carts to 20 Self-Help Group (SHGs) members from East Siang district. The project aims to promote rural livelihoods, generate employment, and economically empower rural women through eco-friendly and sustainable transportation.
The Minister did the honour in presence of MLAs Ninong Ering, Tapi Darang and Oken Tayeng, Director Panchayati Raj (GoAP) Tajing Jonnom, East Siang Deputy Commissioner Sonalika Jiwani, SP Pankaj Lamba, ZPC Ruth Tabing Boko, PMC Dy Chief Councillor Kamin Lego, ADC cum DPDO East Siang Pebika Lego, ZPMs, SHG members, Nodal Officer (Gram Bandhu Project) Tapang Kopak, Chief Operating Officer, ArSRLM, Jechonia Islary among others.
Addressing a large gathering of SHG members and PRI representatives, the Minister urged beneficiaries to utilize the e-Rickshaws to access new markets for their organic produce and products, while also creating additional employment opportunities in rural Arunachal Pradesh.
Tasing spoke on the top priority of the central government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the State government led by CM Pema Khandu in fostering growth for rural development and addressing aspirations of rural denizens through various rural focussed initiatives. He added that the project is envisaged to be implemented in a phased manner across other districts of the State, with a focus on strengthening grassroots governance and enhancing sustainable income sources for rural communities.
Earlier, Jonnom, while briefing the objective of the scheme, said that as per its aim to reach targeted women SHGs of the concerned Gram Panchayats for income generation will help in sale /marketing of organic local vegetables and various SHG products for boosting rural economy with the low operating cost of e-Rickshaws in comparison to others.
ADC Lego also highlighted the significance of the initiative. (DIPRO)