Itanagar, August 6 (UNI): Continuing his meetings with various Union ministers in New Delhi, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Friday called on three more ministers of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Cabinet and discussed issues pertaining to the state.
During his meeting with Union Sports and Youth Affairs minister Anurag Thakur, Khandu briefed about the sports scenario of the state. He informed the minister that Arunachal Pradesh has tremendous potential in sports activities.
“Our youths have taken sports as career option which is in fact a positive sign,” Khandu said.
Citing inadequate infrastructure and facilities as bottleneck in the sports sector of the state, the chief minister urged to address the issue and release funds pending with the ministry under various heads.
Later in the afternoon, during his meeting with the Union DoNER, Culture and Tourism Minister G Kishan Reddy, Khandu urged the minister to support the state in preserving its culture and traditions, a Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) communique said here.
He emphasised on introduction of North East (NE) states in the national curriculum to create greater awareness and promote fraternity among all Indians.
Speaking about North Eastern Council (NEC), Khandu opined that NEC should act as think tank of NE region for creation of ideas and promoting overall development.
The CM further requested the ministry to take up comprehensive infrastructure and development schemes for border areas to mitigate migration from border villages. He suggested to develop model villages with all basic amenities in the border areas so that it benefits the local populace and promotes tourism in the region.
Khandu also called on Union minister for Housing and Urban Affairs and Petroleum Hardeep Singh Puri and placed request for financial requirement on Urban Tourism Infrastructure Development Plan for 12 Tourist Circuits of the state.
He requested the ministry to consider implementing GIS based integrated drainage master plan for the capital region besides seeking relaxation for Arunachal Pradesh on eligibility under AMRUT scheme.
Khandu also discussed pending petroleum exploration license and petroleum mining lease of petroleum blocks in Arunachal Pradesh and promotion and mining activities in the state.
He extended gratitude to the minister for facilitating support from PSUs during Covid under various CSR programmes.
Matters like establishment of nursing college in Itanagar, support for development of the state through PSUs and establishment of storage depots of petroleum products in few locations of the state were also discussed in the meeting.
