NAMSAI, Mar 24: Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein on Tuesday flagged off a fleet of 20 e-rickshaws under the Innovative & Economic Development/Income Enhancement Project (Gram Bandhu) at the District Secretariat in Namsai.
The initiative is being implemented under the Revamped Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA), with a total of 40 e-rickshaws allocated in the pilot phase—20 each for Namsai and East Siang districts.
Addressing the gathering, Mein said the Gram Bandhu initiative aims to strengthen rural livelihoods by creating sustainable income opportunities while promoting eco-friendly transportation. He noted that the introduction of e-rickshaws will generate employment for drivers and members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs), while also reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
Highlighting the environmental importance, Mein said that Arunachal Pradesh, known for its pristine environment, must continue its development in harmony with nature. He pointed out that growing reliance on petrol and diesel contributes to pollution and increases economic burden due to high import costs, making electric mobility a practical and forward-looking solution.
He further emphasized that e-rickshaws are zero-emission, cost-effective to operate, and well-suited for local transport needs. Beyond improving mobility, he said, the initiative will empower rural youth and entrepreneurs by providing sustainable livelihood opportunities and enhancing last-mile connectivity.
Underscoring the role of women in development, Mein observed that women across the state are increasingly taking leadership in economic and community activities. He stressed that empowering women through such livelihood programmes would accelerate inclusive growth at the grassroots level.
The Deputy Chief Minister urged beneficiaries to take ownership of the initiative, emphasizing proper utilization, maintenance, and community participation to ensure its long-term success. He added that successful implementation in pilot districts would pave the way for expansion across the state.
Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Ojing Tasing, emphasized that the eco-friendly e-carts introduced under the Gram Bandhu initiative will significantly benefit SHG members by enabling them to market their products more efficiently, especially from remote and peripheral areas. He further stressed the need for proper monitoring to ensure its effective implementation and facilitate its successful replication in other districts.
Namsai MLA Chau Zingnu Namchoom also spoke on the occasion. The programme was attended by ZPC Chau Sujana Namchoom, Deputy Commissioner C R Khampa, Director (PR) Tajing Jonnom, along with other officials, PRI representatives, and SHG members.