Itanagar, Feb 10: The Arunachal Indigenous Tribes Forum (AITF) has urged the Arunachal Pradesh government to ensure equitable allocation of funds across districts, strengthen anti-drug policies and enhance healthcare infrastructure as part of its recommendations for the upcoming state budget.
In a letter addressed to Chief Minister Pema Khandu, the AITF highlighted concerns over regional disparities in fund distribution. The forum emphasized the need for a fair allocation model that factors in demography, geographical challenges, connectivity, and infrastructure gaps to prevent regional imbalances in development.
Raising alarm over the growing drug menace, particularly in the state capital and rural areas, the AITF proposed a multi-pronged approach, including linkage with reputed drug rehabilitation centers, stringent laws mandating life imprisonment for drug peddlers, and termination of government employees involved in drug trafficking.
The forum also suggested forming a dedicated police task force to combat drug-related crimes and launching awareness campaigns in educational institutions, Gram Sabhas, and local communities.
"The AITF has resolved to intensify its anti-drug campaign and integrate it with school adoption programs to ensure a ‘Drug-Free Arunachal’ in the long run," the letter from the forum’s general secretary Tapi Tai stated.
The forum also stressed the importance of bolstering the state's healthcare system in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The AITF further called for increased budgetary allocations for healthcare infrastructure, medical personnel and essential medicines to prevent residents from seeking treatment outside the state due to inadequate facilities.
