ITANAGAR, May 11: The All Arunachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj Parishad (AAPPRP) has urged the Rural Development Department to streamline the distribution of State Own Resources (SOR) by adopting a population-based allocation model to ensure equitable development across blocks in the state.
In a letter addressed to the Secretary of the Rural Development Department, the Parishad stated that the existing allocation system based on equal weightage does not adequately address disparities among different administrative blocks.
According to the AAPPRP, blocks with higher population density are at a disadvantage under the present formula, as the allocation does not proportionately reflect the growing demand for infrastructure, welfare schemes, public services, and administrative support in densely populated areas.
The Parishad stated that the current pattern has raised concerns regarding equity, efficiency, and balanced development. It argued that regions with larger populations but comparatively smaller geographical areas often receive inadequate resources to meet developmental requirements, leading to grievances among stakeholders and affecting effective utilisation of funds at the grassroots level.
To address the issue, the Parishad proposed revision of the present 50:50 allocation formula to a more practical 75:25 ratio, wherein 75 per cent weightage would be based on population and 25 per cent on geographical area.
The AAPPRP maintained that such a model would ensure a fairer and more rational distribution of funds while addressing the concerns of densely populated blocks. It further stated that the revised approach would strengthen equitable development, improve service delivery, and enable Panchayati Raj Institutions to implement developmental activities more effectively.
In a separate letter, the Parishad also drew the attention of the Rural Development Secretary towards the delay in extension and finalisation of the MGNREGA (renamed as VB - G RAM G) tender process for the financial year 2025-26.
It said the delay has created uncertainty and disrupted the smooth execution of ongoing and proposed developmental works under the scheme.
The AAPPRP requested the department to expedite the tender process or grant the necessary extension at the earliest to ensure uninterrupted implementation of MGNREGA works across the state.