Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Jarbom Gamlin has sought the scrapping of the population clause from centrally sponsored schemes. His push has been timed with the 56th meeting of the National Development Council to be held in New Delhi.
According to Gamlin, Arunachal Pradesh's vast geographical area contrasted with the sparsely distributed population, and this has created a situation where most Central scheme guidelines do not allow for any work to be taken up as they are based entirely on population density.
"We have taken this up with the Planning Commission earlier, but this high-profile event gives us a platform to voice our concerns once again," the chief minister said before leaving for New Delhi on Friday.
He added: "This NDC meeting is critical for Arunachal's growth as the approach to the 12th Five Year Plan is on the main agenda. We must present our state's case very forcefully so that enhanced support from the central government continues to come in during the next plan period."
A high-profile team comprising finance and planning minister Kalikho Pul, environment and forests minister Setong Sena, chief secretary Tabom Bam, principal secretary HK Paliwal, planning secretary Ankur Garg and special secretary Sonam Chombay are accompanying Gamlin for the NDC meeting.
A high-profile team comprising finance and planning minister Kalikho Pul, environment and forests minister Setong Sena, chief secretary Tabom Bam, principal secretary HK Paliwal, planning secretary Ankur Garg and special secretary Sonam Chombay are accompanying Gamlin for the NDC meeting.
"Considering its long international border, Arunachal Pradesh is highly geo-politically sensitive and it is for the Central government to invest both resources and commitment so that our people can be self-reliant and prosperous without any sense of alienation," said Pul.